Brian Lang

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Brian Lang was such a gift to his family and friends. He was a good natured kid who had a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds as he was currently the owner of four toads! Brian was a creative guy who had recently discovered what he thought was the pathway to his future putting a bit of his artistry to work. A devoted son and brother, he loved being with his family. Life will never be the same without Brian here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1990s were an exciting time in American history. Innovation and technology were bringing us to new places, and this was truly the electronic age. Michael Jordan was the name in basketball while the Dallas Cowboys brought home three Super Bowl championships. With the birth of the World Wide Web in 1992, the way we shopped, the way we communicated with others, and the way we kept up with what was going on in the world around us was never the same. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1996 when Kenneth and Stephanie (Carlson) Lang were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the calendar turned to welcome in the new year. The big day finally arrived on January 21st when the baby boy they named Brian Kenneth drew his first breath. He was the third of four boys and was raised in the family home in Kalamazoo alongside his brothers, Andre, Wesley, and Michael.

In many ways, Brian was a young man of his generation. He loved playing outside and could often be found climbing trees and hiking in the woods. In fact, the more he could be outside enjoying nature the better! While growing up Brian enjoyed rocket football, soccer, and fishing. It was during his youngest years that he developed a love for animals. This love extended far beyond a love for the family dogs and horses as he even had mice at one time and currently had four toads.

As Brian got older, he discovered that he had a knack for drawing and writing. His gift didn’t go unnoticed either, as his creative writing skills were recognized in school. Although he went through a time of struggle and left school to get refocused, his parents were so proud that Brian went back to school and graduated from high school through the Portage Community Education Center this past May. Most recently, Brian discovered that he had a passion for cooking and was an aspiring chef who was looking forward to attending culinary school. In the meantime, he was learning some of the necessary skills in the food industry by doing food prep for Maestro’s Pizza as he had recently turned a corner.

Described as a good natured kid with good intentions, Brian Lang lived life with others in mind. He was the best listener and had the biggest heart, especially when it came to animals of all kinds. A outgoing guy through and through, Brian had a way of making others feel at ease. As his family and friends can attest, he could be silly and so goofy at times, he was an average kid with good intentions. With a bright future ahead of him, his life came to an end. He will be deeply missed, but Brian will never be forgotten.

Brian Kenneth Lang died on September 4, 2015. Brian’s family includes his parents, Ken Lang and Stephanie Belser, his brothers Andre Kelly, Wesley Kelly and Michael Lang; his maternal grandmother Gloria Carlson and paternal grandmother Jan Lang, his aunts Lorri Stephans and Melissa Masse, his uncle Dan (Lori) Lang as well as his cousins AJ & Allie Lang and Ethan & Kayla Masse. Brian was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Clair Carlson; paternal grandfather, Oliver Lang; and his aunt, Cynthia Springer. Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 9th, 2015 at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit Brian’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, sign his guestbook and get memorial donation information.