Ernest “Buck” Duncan Lang

LANG: Ernest “Buck” Duncan Lang passed away at University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta on April 20, 2023 at the age of 88 years old.
Ernest is survived by: his sister, Kathie (David) Jack; nephews, Glen (Dorothy) Cooper, Dwayne (Cathy) Cooper, Kevin (Lisa) Jack, and Lenard (Donalda) Jack; niece, Heather (Rob) Ferguson; and niece-in-law, Doreen Cooper; 15 great nieces and nephews and 25 great great nieces and nephews.
Ernest was predeceased by: his parents, Elmer and Kathleen Lang; sister, Audrey Cooper; brother-in-law, Ralph Cooper; and nephew, Barry Cooper.
The Memorial Service in memory of Ernest was conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, April 27 at 2:00 pm with Alison Weaver officiating. The interment was held at Lloydminster City Cemetery, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
Donations in memory of Ernest may be made to STARS, Kitscoty Agricultural Society or donor’s charity of choice.
Eulogy (written by family and read by great niece, Hailey Ferguson)
Ernest Lang was born April 24, 1934 in Lloydminster. He was the second child of Elmer and Kathleen Lang, the brother in the middle of two sisters! Uncle grew up on the family farm and stayed there for 84 years, truly enjoying the farm life. Family was everything to Uncle and this was always apparent with the love he showed for his two sisters. Over the past few days, Grandma has shared many stories and memories of Uncle; he was always happy to include her in his travels and adventures and the stories she shared reconfirmed how great of a man he truly was.
Uncle attended Kinnard School up until Grade 8 and then moved to the bright lights of Kitscoty where he finished his schooling. This is where he got to experience life away from home, as he stayed in the boy’s dorm. There were many stories told about the questionable food, never ending pranks, new-found friends and lifelong memories. Upon graduation, Uncle returned to join his dad on the family farm. Once Elmer retired, as an independent bachelor, Uncle would often create his own machinery convoys to ensure he always had his half-ton in the field. During the weeks before Uncle’s passing, he shared several stories from his past, some that stand out include Donnie O and his spray plane, and getting buzzed while he was cultivating, this scared the living daylights out of him as he didn’t see it coming! When it came to farming, Uncle was one of Webb’s best customers as he loved farming with his Massey equipment and Ford trucks. It was always a family joke that Uncle never bought a new set of tires, once they were wore out, he would just order a new truck. This was the life that he loved and he continued farming until his retirement in 1999.
Uncle always said that when he reached 65, he was going to retire and unlike many farmers, he actually stuck to it! On April 16, 1999, 8 days before his 65 birthday he held his farm auction sale where family, friends and neighbors gathered together to share the day with him. After his retirement, Uncle sold the farm to Don Herzog, but remained living there until February of 2018. This was the beginning of a new friendship that continued until his passing. Uncle may have retired from farming, but he ensured that one Massey stuck around and that his yard was taken care of; more importantly, family and friends always appreciated his spring and fall rototiller tours and Uncle was always ready for a drink, meal and visit when their gardens were done.
Uncle had a passion for travel, always wanting to see and experience new things. As a young man him and Alfred drove down to the Florida Keys, and he loved to tell the story of his experience with turtle steak on a huge seafood platter. This was a trip typical of young guys, filled with a few drinks, mischievous ways and a lot of laughs. Trips were often enjoyed with family, which included Audrey & Ralph and David and Kathie visiting relatives in Ontario, Florida and Iowa. Uncle enjoyed a family trip of 18 to Mexico, Kyle’s wedding in the Dominican and Brady’s wedding back in Mexico. He was fortunate to travel with friends Roman & Eldora Cowell and Pat and Roy McAllister where their adventures took them to many places including Copper Canyon, Cuba and Mexico. He never passed up a chance to travel.
Uncle also had a passion for fishing. He always looked forward to his trips to Blackstone and was very proud to be able to share this with a couple of his great nephews and of course Roy and crew. Uncle went to Engemann Lake with Don; and went salmon and ocean fishing with Roy and their west coast crew. My family always looked forward to our yearly trip to Moose Lake where a day was spent out on Uncle’s boat followed up of course with a great meal. Uncle also spent many summer weekends at the lake with Cooper’s creating new memories and stories to share for years to come. Fishing for Uncle was a year-round activity, as ice fishing was just as important in his eyes. Days spent fishing and at the lake kept Uncle busy – no matter where he was or who he was with, many memories were made and fish tales told.
In 2017 Uncle decided it was time to move off the farm and in February of 2018 he left his lifetime home and moved into the Dr. James Hemstock Place in Lloydminster. He resided here until August of 2021 when he moved into his final residence in the Lloydminster Continuing Care Facility. With his failing health Uncle was fortunate enough to connect with Elaine Kent in the spring of 2021, and she was able to provide him with the extra help he needed, and a newfound friendship which we are forever grateful for.
Uncle Ernest, Uncle Ernie or our famous Uncle Buck as he was affectionately known by most of us was the five F’s man. Family, friends, farming, fishing and Ford Trucks. Uncle Buck was always ready to lend a helping hand to all of us as he had lots of experience and expertise in fixing any kind of equipment and he was willing to try repairs on household wiring, plumbing, and even appliances. We all called on him many times to help us out and we could always count on his answer being a yes. Uncle always enjoyed a good Sunday meal with family and friends, followed by a rye and water, possibly a poker game, and maybe a couple arguments here and there – something else he was really good at. He always took time for his nieces and nephews, always wondering how they were doing and what they were up to. When us great nieces and nephews came along, he was always there with a smile on for our birthdays, fishing trips, graduations, weddings and everything in between. We all held a special place in his heart and he was a pillar of wisdom for us all. We were blessed to have you in our lives, and you will always hold a special place in all of our hearts. We love you. Rest in peace Uncle Buck.
Card of Thanks
Thank you to Alison Weaver for your compassion and comforting words. A special thanks to Hailey Ferguson for reading the eulogy, Uncle would be so proud. Thank you to Joel McCaw and staff for your warm and professional help with the service. Thank you to family and friends for your support with visits, food, cards, phone calls and donations. Most of all, thanks for being a part of Ernest’s life.
David & Kathie Jack
Cooper Families
Jack Families
Ferguson Family