Jerry Lang, 49, died at Whidbey Island Manor Dec. 28, 2006, after an extended illness. He was born Dec. 9, 1957, in Pasadena, Texas.

Jerry, also known as “Dingo,” lived in Texas until the age of five when the family moved to Tacoma. Tacoma became the home base while his parents, Charles and Eleanor Lang, moved with their family to different U.S. Army stations, mostly in Germany, and also to Michigan and Colorado where Jerry attended different schools until finally returning to Tacoma, where at age 17 he decided to give the military a try, and joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany during his time with the Army.

When he returned to civilian life, Jerry became a roofer, working mostly for Bosnik Roofing Company in Tacoma. He spent over 23 years in the construction trades, and in his spare time played on softball teams, and then for many years on an indoor soccer team.

Jerry moved to Whidbey Island in 2002 to be nearer his parents. He had always entertained his younger sisters with games and outings, and while living in Coupeville, invented fascinating treasure hunts for young nieces and nephews as long as it didn’t interfere with watching football games, his passion and interest.

Jerry is survived by his sons Jay Benson and Tyler Lang, both of Tacoma, along with his parents, Charles and Eleanor Lang of Coupeville, sisters Theresa Follen (Jamie) of Tacoma, Christine Stout of Coupeville, Margarita Nienhaus (Rick) of New Mexico and Rebecca Crosby of Normandy Park, Wash. He also left to mourn his long-time significant other, Robin Nunley of Tacoma. He was preceded in death by his sister, and all-time best bud (together, cohorts in mischief) Kathy Ness in Dec., 2000.

Services for Jerry will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.