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Michelle Lang Obituary
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1169 Entries
cathe douglas
April 25, 2015
The day you died, a pall came over all of us at the Calgary Herald. I knew that we needed to remember you always and wrote a poem, entitled "Our Precious Pearl." I met you a couple of times in the cafeteria and had sent some story suggestions to you by email and you did write those stories. I never did not put the face with the name until after you died. I am haunted by your senseless death and of those who were with you. I now endeavour to write a story about that day, something that I find is very painful to do. I hope to do your story justice and hope that everyone may see just how much you are missed, by your family, by your friends and by those of us you joked with in the lineup in the cafeteria and all others you touched with your smile and humour. You will never be forgotten. Thank you Michelle forever.
Kalinda Link
November 4, 2013
I worked with Michelle at the Prince George Free Press, she helped me to get my first job as a reporter. I have thought of her often throughout the years. I can't believe it has been nearly four years. Always in my prayers.
D Khadem
December 30, 2012
My thoughts are with you, Michelle. And with your beloved Michael and the rest of your family. May your sould fly in the Great Realm, knowing your spirit is held dear and never forgotten.
July 24, 2012
Its been over three years now but I was there when it happened and having met and been interviewed by Michelle, not a day goes by that I don't think about her. Of all the lives that were lost during my tour, her's haunts me the most. RIP, always remembered
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March 27, 2012
Michelle Lang is a hero. Her magic, brilliant wit and investigative reporting will always be remembered.
Afghanistan was on her list of countries to report from. I too, have worked there.
I think of you both, Mr. and Mrs. Lang. I hope you have found peace. You should be terribly proud of your daughter.
Jane Kokan
The Chuang's
August 5, 2011
Art & Sandy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, always.
Jeanette Decorby
January 3, 2011
To the family of Michelle I so understand your pain as I loss my son in Afghanistan in 2009 I know how your heart hurts and feel so much for anyone who loss a child, The parents are the ones who suffer the most because she was your baby you held them first and the wonderful joy she gave you throughout her short life I know I still cry everyday but am finally starting to dwell on the happiness he brought in my life from one broken heart mother to another Jeanette
October 31, 2010
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
D. Clark
Steve Toogood, Charlotte Sophie and Hazel
January 14, 2010
Sincere condolences to all the family, friends and work colleagues of Michelle. Such a sad loss - may you find strength in your fond memories of her.
Our thoughts are with you
January 13, 2010
Having read the many articles, and letters written in Michelle's honor, I feel that we have been given a glimpse into the life of this special young woman.
She was beautiful & unique. I wish I had known her.
Lean on each other for strength, and may fond memories sustain you at this most difficult time.
January 12, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Jennifer Chandler
January 12, 2010
December 30th we came to know Michelle's sacrifice along with the soldiers. Yesterday, we watched people gather in our city to pay their respect to her. Blocks away from me right now a funeral for Pte, Chidley holds our collective sympathy for the family, friends and colleagues of both these fine people.
Michelle, you mattered to so many people and we are thankful for all that you contributed to our understanding of the world around us. Our sympathy goes out to all of you who will miss her deeply.
Grace Harpe
January 12, 2010
Our deepest sympathy/condolences to Michelle's family, fiancee and friends. Michelle, you will always be remembered in our hearts. You are a true hero and your work will not go in vain.
We are forever grateful! Thank you Michelle!
Elizabeth Krump
January 12, 2010
My prayers and condolences to Michelle's friends, family and fiance.
Katie McLaughlin
January 12, 2010
I was so saddened to hear about Michelle's death. I worked with her on a few stories over my years working with the military and in the healthcare world, and she was an excellent journalist and a very warm, friendly person. Michelle put her life at risk to witness first-hand what our soldiers endure every day in Afghanistan - I have the utmost respect for journalists like Michelle. My deepest sympathies go to her family, her fiance, her friends, colleagues and so many others. Her life was not lost in vain and she will always be remembered for her bravery.
John & Wendy Kinal
January 12, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to Michelle's family, fiance,co-workers and friends.
May her precious memories bring you comfort.She will be remembered as a true Canadian Hero. RIP Michelle.
Jeanette Decorby
January 11, 2010
I understand your pain all to well my son died because of Afghanistan the hurt is so deep and you feel like it will be there forever it has been 6 months for us now and I still cry everyday a child should never died before there parents they say time heals but I really don't know how much time as my family is still in the hurt stage I'm so sorry for your loss that should of never been take care because I care Jeanette Decorby Calgary
Carol McCarthy-Butler
January 11, 2010
My condolences to the family and friends of Michelle.
Gladstone Powell
January 11, 2010
All my life, I have the utmost respect to the soldiers who put their lives at risk for their countries. I have shook soldiers' hands and let them know that it is an honor to shake their hands and thank for their duties.
When Michelle Lang was killed, I realized that journalists have put their lives at risk in order for us to know what is happening on the battlefields. I understand and know that many journalists died in wars. Maybe, I didn't realized until now because she is a female. When I saw pictures of Michelle, she looked like a girl next door.
I would like to express my condolences to Michelle's family for her loss. They should be proud of her. Next time, if I come across a war journalist, I will thank and put my hand out.
January 11, 2010
As friendly Hearts & Hands reach out to you at this time of your sorrow, know that others truly care also ,who never were in the presence of such a wonderful woman and journalist.
With deepest sympathy,
Percy & Carol Harvey
Calgary Alberta
Carolyn Parks-Mintz & Family
January 11, 2010
Sincerest condolences to both Michelle's families--personal and professional. Michelle covered the tragic loss of our beloved Melanie Burnell and her unborn baby girl for The Herald in October. Ironic and monumentally sad that these two beautiful, unique, vibrant young women were connected and have been taken too soon. We weep for all of them.
January 11, 2010
My sympathies are with you at this time. May God be with you.
Susan Webb
January 11, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. No mother or family should have to go through this terrible ordeal. My daughter Amber Bowerman was a journalist like Michelle and she was tragically murdered in Calgary at the age of 30. It is so hard to know you will never see them do what they loved or have families of their own. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for this difficult road you must travel. Susan Webb, Calgary
Sheri MacMillan
January 10, 2010
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
January 10, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss,may your memories be a comfort to you all.
Glenn Stewart
January 10, 2010
I am one of many Canadians whose life has been around the Military! My Father served 27 years! My Uncles and two Aunts as well served in the Military. I know that the lives of each and every Service Personal is hard. It would have been harder for a Civilian to be on the Frontline, without the training of the soldiers they are with!
Michelle must have had a courage that was above the normal of civilian life! As she started her last journy home, I could think of her as a Civilian but as a member of my extended Military family. Tears fell freely for her and for the soldier with her!
May you find piece and comfort, in your time of loss! God comfort you and keep you!
January 10, 2010
Although I did not know your beautiful daughter, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
toni costanzo / silletta
January 10, 2010
Deepest Sympathies to The Lang Family Members for the Loss of Michelle Lang.
Chris Glass
January 10, 2010
My dearest friend was also killed, in Senegal, 3 years ago, in a similar accident. To say that I grieve with you is an understatement. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your great loss.
Chris Glass, Switzerland
robert pfotenhauer
January 10, 2010
I pray that God will bless and comfort you during this time of grief and sorrow at the death of Michelle.
January 9, 2010
Condolences to Michelle's family, and to her fiance Michael Louie of Delta Upsilon. On behalf of the University of Alberta Chapter of Delta Upsilon. ____ Allan Warrack, Edmonton
C Martin
January 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Residents
January 9, 2010
Our community, my family and I wish to express our condolences on the loss of your loved one, Michelle. Not only was Michelle a brave young lady, her fiance, parents and other family members were so very brave in helping her follow her dream. We are thinking of you and your brave loved one.
The Lammerth Family
January 9, 2010
To Michelle's family and friends. I send you my condolences for your loss. She will be well missed in Vancouver and also in Calgary. May She RIP for all her heroism.
Kirsten N (SFU)
January 8, 2010
My prayers go to Michelle's fiance, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
Agyness Deyn
January 8, 2010
Your death creates a void that can never be filled. This is saddest day of our lives. My condolences to your family and loved ones. May you rest in peace. Thank you for all your noteworthy contributions to the press.
M. Yigit Karakilic
January 8, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nat S
January 8, 2010
You should know that all of my life, I have wanted to be a journalist. You are one of the people, who through their writing was able to show me passion. When that day comes, the day that I get to cover a story, or write for a major daily - you will be in my thoughts; you are in my thoughts.
Love to you and your family,
Charlotte,Paul and Warren Blust
January 8, 2010
We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Michelle and her fiance. Our prayers are with you.
January 8, 2010
Michelle will be in our hearts forever
Ken & Frances Kolotyluk
January 8, 2010
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your daughter under such tragic circumstances
Peggy
January 8, 2010
Our Deepest Sympathies on your loss. We are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
January 8, 2010
My condolences to Michelle's family. So sorry for your loss.
~ Kelly Bohl, SFU Crim
Eugene Costa
January 8, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Horne
January 8, 2010
My condolences to Michelle's fiance, and family/friends
January 8, 2010
She will be missed dearly. My condolences to her loved ones. She was a true Canadian Hero. Rest in Peace Michelle.
-Justin L. Burnaby SFU
Sage Perry
January 8, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. Sending our prayers and thoughts your way.
Sage Perry
SFU grad
January 8, 2010
These are brave people who set out to do our business in foreign lands, and to communicate back to us first hand accounts of what is going on there. As parent of a soldier who came perilously close to death in Afghanistan, I have an inkling of the burden that is borne by the family of our brave young ones who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf. My heartfelt condolences to the family of Michelle who have suffered the loss of a dear one.
Michael Murdock
Abbotsford, B.C.
January 8, 2010
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
January 7, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Jackie Jones
SFU Birnaby
Tessa Ryan
January 7, 2010
My deepest condolences...
Karen Craik
January 7, 2010
On behalf of United Nurses of Alberta, we send our heart felt condolences to Michelle's family, fiance, and friends. Michelle was very pleasant to talk to during interviews. She always gave a fair view of health care issues in Calgary and Alberta.
She will be missed.
Kyle Bottoms
January 7, 2010
My heart goes out to Michelle's family and friends. She was a brave Canadian and will be remembered as a hero.
Linghan Zhang
January 7, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
H Bain
January 7, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Greg Fulmes
January 7, 2010
It is with tremendous sadness I learned this morning of Michelle's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to her fiance, family and friends.
David Butler
January 6, 2010
I want to exspess my warmhearted condolence for Michelle Lang. I worked at the Herold as a Temp working in the Distabution Floor for 4 years. She will be misses sadly missed by us all
S & D Sanderson
January 6, 2010
Our deepest condolences.
Our prayers are with you all.
January 6, 2010
sympathy
Darcy Wu
January 6, 2010
She will be missed
Darcy Henton
January 6, 2010
Journalism has suffered a tremendous loss. Michelle was a tremendously gifted and thoughtful reporter who was deeply admired and respected by her peers for both her work and the manner in which she carried it out.
cupid angel
January 6, 2010
She is happy in heaven now.
Jon Driver
January 6, 2010
On behalf of Simon Fraser University, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Michelle Lang's family and colleagues. Michelle was a student in English, and is remembered by her professors as dedicated and cheerful. Her first experience as a journalist was at The Peak, the official student newspaper of SFU. After graduating from SFU in 1998, Michelle pursued an original and adventurous career, and we were pleased to see how her love of writing brought her so many opportunities. We mourn the passing of someone whose reporting helped make sense of the world.
Jon Driver, Acting President, SFU
Janet Barker
January 5, 2010
My deepest condolences to Michelle's family, friends and fiance. She shared her life with the public in the work that she did, especially by wanting to tell us the story of our Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.She has truly become one with them now, and our hearts break with yours as even your loss is not a private one. May God's comfort be upon you all.
January 5, 2010
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
David Gollob
January 5, 2010
On behalf of the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, I wish to extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Michelle Lang's family, close friends and colleagues. Miss Lang followed in the footsteps of many Canadian journalists who, since the 2nd World War and before, have become "war correspondents" - accompanying Canadian troops into battle to report conflict from the frontlines. It's an honoured tradition in which Canadian journalists have put themselves at great risk so that Canadians' may better understand the meaning of our nation's commitments. In her search for truth, Michelle paid the ultimate price. Her sacrifice deserves the honour of all Canadians.
David Gollob,
President, Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, Ottawa
January 5, 2010
Michelle was a very wonderful individual who had it all going for her only to have it all end so abruptly. I am deeply touched by what has happened and I send my sympathy and my condolences to her family, friends, and her fiance.
Sharon Swaffer
January 5, 2010
I seemed to have missed meeting a very highly regarded reporter and a much loved person. I follow Michelle's story with a very heavy heart and I wish to extend deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Preet
January 5, 2010
Here is someone whose life's passion was to bring light to the darkness. Calgary, Alberta, Canada and indeed the World has lost someone special. My deepest sympathies for the family and friends of this fallen hero.
A Coworker
January 5, 2010
Michelle was a beautiful woman and a beautiful person who personified dignity, professionalism and talent. She was one of the rare few in our business who truly saw the humanity in each story, each interview subject, each incident. People were not "sources" for her stories, they were unique individuals. Her loss is a blow to the average calibre of journalism in Canada. My only regret is I did not take a moment to connect with her on a personal level - something I long intended to do, but never made time for. A passing "hello" in the hallways will now have to stand forever.
T. Derworiz
January 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Michelle's family, friends and colleagues.
Michael & Marion Studer
January 5, 2010
Our heartfelt sorrow for your loss. From the wife and myself, our condolences to the entire family and her young man....
Rachel
January 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sandy
January 5, 2010
As a former freelance reporter for the Calgary Herald, I extend condolences to everyone in the newsroom. I moved from reporting to public relations several years ago, because I found the daily stress, brutal hours and energy-drain of journalism too much to bear. Each day, I appreciate the sacrifices that reporters make to bring us the news. To suffer this loss at the hands of the profession is unspeakable. Michelle Lang has the admiration of a legion of dedicated readers.
Marissa Gonzalez
January 5, 2010
News of Michelle Lang has been heavy on my heart and mind. I find the loss of your daughter, sister, fiance and this talented beautiful young journalist unbearable. I share in your grief and send you my condolences. Michelle was brave in her search for the truth. I did not know her, yet it is abundantly clear she was gifted, caring, and touched many. As such, her light will always shine. Prayers of peace for all hearts, and all lands. I send you my deepest sympathy over this heartbreaking loss of Michelle.
Josh
January 4, 2010
My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Michelle. She will remain an inspiration to all Canadians for generations to come.
Jean Hergert
January 4, 2010
Michelle Lang touched more lives than she perhaps knew, through her stellar journalism, integrity, passion for life and genuine caring for others. Michelle left a legacy in her short lifetime and now the world is less of a place without her. My sincere sympathy to Michelle's family, beloved fiance, friends and colleagues.
Tina Tan
January 4, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mike Nash
January 4, 2010
I was interviewed by Michelle Lang at the start of her career when she was a rookie reporter for the Prince George Free Press in the fall of 1998. Her story, about a respected Prince George outdoorsman killed by a bear in the nearby mountains, was accurate, detailed, interesting and respectful. It ran in the Free Press on October 29, 1998. The front-page headline of her story began "A life well-lived..." and the inside header ended "...modest above all", portrayals that I suspect may also be said of Michelle Lang. I still have her story pasted in a workbook and had glanced at it many times during a ten-year book project arising from the events of that October weekend. I was very sorry to hear of Michelle Lang's death in Afghanistan and of the loss of a Canadian reporter of her calibre.
Peggy Hearonemus
January 4, 2010
Michelle was a healthcare reporter conducting a story on physician recruitment in rural Alberta. She was seeking the truth and was passionate about the difficulty the rural were experiencing. I am very fortunate to have met her and believe her story made a difference.
My thoughts go out to her family on such a tragic loss but her memory will live on.
cheryl chipman
January 4, 2010
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family friends and love ones of Michelle although I didn't know hear I feel the great respect and love people have displayed.May god be with you at this sad time and may you relish in her love and memories.She shall remain a hero to me.
Douglas Grant
January 4, 2010
May God bless you all during this very difficult time. I hope you take solace in knowing Michelle was doing what she loved. As a journalist, I can appreciate her passion.
Debbie Marshall
January 4, 2010
I am deeply saddened by the death of Michelle Lang, a brave journalist. She was doing an important job, keeping us all aware of what was happening in Afghanistan. It is a tragedy that her voice will no longer be heard.
Dr. Chip Doig
January 4, 2010
In her stellar career, Michelle Lang interviewed a number of Alberta Medical Association (AMA) presidents.
All of us found her to be insightful, knowledgeable, curious, questioning and probing, and we all respected her integrity and work ethic.
Michelle exemplified the best qualities and characteristics of a professional journalist, and
her commitment was to her readers! They benefitted from Michelle's focus on what was happening with and to their health care system.
The Calgary Herald has lost an outstanding individual who will be missed not only by family, colleagues and readers, but also by those whom she interviewed.
Adam Hardy
January 4, 2010
I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michelle Lang. May you all find strength and peace in this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you.
(Ms)Terry Dooley
January 4, 2010
God's finger touched her and she slept. Rest in peace. You are in a better place. My deepest condelences to your fiance and your family.
Ena Newman
January 4, 2010
My heart felt compassion goes out to all of Michelle's family and friends. May memories of the many good times help brighten your spirits in the upcoming day.
Twyla
January 4, 2010
What an unspeakable tragedy.
Please accept my most sincere sympathy and heartfelt remorse on the loss of your friend and loved one.
Michelle, I shall miss your articles in my Herald.
January 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Michelle Lang I offer my prayers. Please continue life as she would have wished. Hopefully I'll get to meet her one day.
Bruce MacLean
January 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Michelle Lang I offer my prayers. Please continue life as she would have wished. Hopefully I'll get to meet her one day.
January 4, 2010
May God bless you and keep your family. Our prayers are with your family now and in the future. Thank you for supporting our troops and informing us about their trials in Afganistan.
Ann & Morley Handford (St Albert, AB)
January 4, 2010
The world of journalism is certainly poorer without Michelle Lang. I can only imagine how heartbeaking the loss is to her family, fiance, friends and the colleagues who shared her dreams. My heart goes out to you. Norma Greenaway, Canwest News Service.
John Curran
January 4, 2010
Art my heart felt condolences go out to you, Sandra & your family at this time. Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers.
January 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayer go to the family . All that can be said to make it a little better is that we all shall meet once again, Stay strong for Michelle , she would have wanted you to be strong and look ahead .Be PROUD
Irene Whyte , Toronto Canada
Lois Murray
January 4, 2010
When I heard a journalist was killed in Afghanistan my heart stopped as my brother is a reporter there. My heart kept pumping as I heard he would report on her death. I cannot imagine how devastating this loss must be. I reach out to you who have to deal with the loss of your family member and friend. I wish you peace as you realize that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and the ability to remember Michelle as the person she was.
Tammy
January 4, 2010
Such a beautiful life taken too early! To the family and friends who knew her, I send love, prayers and deep condolences. How tangible this loss must feel to all of you.
May God bless you all and support you in this most difficult time.
Eddy Boelens
January 4, 2010
My deepest sympathy and condoleances to the family of Michelle lang.
From a Canadianlover
January 4, 2010
God bless! RIP
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