Tribute

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our father and grandfather, Benjamin Lang, who passed away Feb 28,2024 in Penticton, at the age of 90 after an eventful and accomplished life lived to its fullest.

A man of character and integrity, with a sharp mind and a strong handshake, Ben faced a number of hardships in his life, overcoming then with grit and determination – a true survivor, who never lost sight of what was good in life. Ben’s independent, free-spirited nature led him to lead a life of charm and adventure, living in and travelling across many cities, countries and continents.

Benjamin Lang was born March 6, 1933, in the city of Malang, in East Java, Indonesia, the youngest son of Joseph Carl Christian Lang and Louise Eijkelenboom. Ben had fond memories of childhood in East Java, and life with his family in the home his father built.

Ben’s early life was tragically altered when WWII came to Indonesia. His father Joseph, an architect and community leader active in the East Javanese (Dutch) resistance, was executed, and the remaining family interned in prison camps, first by the Japanese, and again later after the war during the Indonesian fight for independence.

In 1948, the family was released and sent by freighter to Holland. Ben completed his education in Amsterdam, where he lived with his mother, sister and brother, and spent his summers living with a family in the countryside in Bornholm Denmark, as part of a program for youth affected by the war.

After graduation, ever restless, Ben travelled Europe by motorcycle, and briefly thought of joining the French Foreign Legion. In 1955 he came to Canada crossing the country in search of adventure before finding his place in the remote north of BC. He began his career at Alcan, supervising and then later managing the construction of infrastructure projects in Kemano and Kitimat BC.

Ben had a love of music, especially jazz, and it was at a dance a short time later that the dashing young man met Hilda Steiner, another free spirit with a sense of adventure. The two married in 1955 in Kitimat, where they welcomed sons Warren in 1962, Barney in 1964, and Brian in 1966.

Ben’s love of building and architecture took him to Oliver in the early 1970s, where he designed and built a beautiful home, and became the Supervisor of Operations for School District 53, responsible for the construction of new schools and overall maintenance of the district. During this time of his life met and married Connie Cronk and continued to build a life for his family and his community.

Always up for a new challenge, Ben later moved to Squamish in 1990 and took the position of Director of Facilities and Services for the Sea to Sky School District 48. He was a bold visionary who brought new colours and ideas to the school district.

Once retired, Ben knew he wanted to see more of the world, so off to Indonesia he went again. He bought land in Manado Sulawesi, and built a beautiful home, where he lived for many years. He continued his travels through Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Wherever he went, Ben always made friends and built community around him.

A special trip occurred in 2015 when Ben took his sons, family and all 5 granddaughters back to Indonesia to see and share in his history and life story. It was a beautiful legacy gift that he gave to his family.

Ben’s love of adventure never wavered. He knew how to live a good life and was determined to follow his own path right to the very end. He continued to travel independently well into his late 80s, living amongst the locals in Nicaragua, and riding horses on the beach. And no matter where he found himself Ben never missed his afternoon cappuccino and pastry.

Fearless, bold, and a man of integrity, Ben was an example to all of us of an unwavering desire to live life to its fullest. He was a proud man whose style and confident charm always made the ladies smile, and was blessed to have many lifelong and loyal friends who continuously supported him.

Ben is survived by his sons, Warren (Susan), Barney (Sheilagh), and Brian (Michelle), and by his very special granddaughters Courtney, Allison and Emma Lang, and Caragh and Maya Lang.

A family celebration of life will be held later this year.