A 4 time 50-stater, completed all the states of Australia, and all the provinces of Canada. Don Lang was a friend that I would see many times some years and few times others, but we would be running somewhere together each year. He had completed over 400 marathons and ultras. He seemed to have passed away from the stress of the surgery of two carcinomas. One from his leg and another from his back. He had some home healthcare workers coming to his house to change the dressings. When he did not answer the door, they called his emergency contact, who told them to call the police.The police tried to break down the front door, but for some reason he had barricaded it by drilling 2 X 4's into it. They went through the back. The death certificate states he died of a heart attack. Don will be remember for his quick and sharp wit. He was a cat lover as Donna and I are. He rubbed some the wrong way, but many like me admire his love for running and his knowledge of the sport he so much love. One of the oddies was he ran so many marathons and ultras, but he had as he would call them "His pearlly whites" referring to his perfect looking toenails. Very much unlike mine. His daughter said, her father did not have many friends. She did not realize all the running friends from all over this country and the world he had. I remember passing him around mile 20 after he would take an early start many times saying "That looks like my buddy Don Lang". He would tell me "You are looking great, Tom. Keep it up." I could go on and on, but I just wanted you to know about a friend of mine from California, who is up in heaven now opening sharing that wealth of knowledge on how, where, and why to run marathons. I am sure my friend of over 10 years is at peace now. I know there will not be much sleep for me tonight. TomD

I'm sorry to hear about your loss Tom.

Hi Tom, I'm sorry to learn of Don's passing. It is great that you have so many good memories of him and his running. Hold on to them and you'll keep his spirit with you. Jay

Sorry to hear the sad new Tom. He sounded like a very interesting guy. I'm sure he'll be missed by many other runners that new him.

sorry to hear the sad news........i'm sure it helps for his daughter to know how many running friends he had out there!! hope he's running pain free with the angels right now!!

Tom - I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you find comfort and peace in the days ahead as you mourn the loss of this friend.

So sad. It sounds like he was a wonderful friend. I hope his daughter comes to know of all the people who he touched and befriended.

What a silent powerful life. Thanks for sharing this memory with us.