Robert Burton Lang, 1942–2025

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing
of Burton Lang, age 82, of Howick, Quebec.

Burton is predeceased by his parents James and Bertha Lang, and brother Donald Y. Lang. He is survived by his brother Gordon, sisters-in-law Thelma and Esther Lang, nephew and nieces and extended family.

Burton was the youngest of the three Lang brothers growing up on the farm on Tullochgorum. He excelled in school, loved reading, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University. He started his career working as a chemist at Cyanamid in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, then moved back to Howick and began Lantronics, manufacturing electronic equipment that enhanced the safety of rail operations in Canada. His work experience made him Mr. Fix-It to his family and neighbours, back in the day when electric fence controllers, radios, and electronic devices could be repaired instead of replaced.

Burton was VE2BMQ to his many friends he made over the airwaves as a ham radio enthusiast, and inside his home you could often hear a constant chatter of radio voices in the background.

In retirement he spent many hours meticulously documenting the information and location of every gravestone in all the local communities, particularly at Riverfield. His published books became important reference documents for families searching for their ancestors, including a family from Nunavut that Burton helped to finally find their family member’s grave after 50 years.

Many aspects of local history were important to Burton, and his digitization of Gleaner archive microfilm made historical research accessible to more people, and enhanced the resources of the Chateauguay Valley Historical Society. Burton could often be found at the C.V.H.S. booth at Expo Ormstown or the C.V.A.A. show at Rennie’s farm, sharing stories and history facts with visitors.

Over a decade ago, Burton was the fortunate recipient of a liver transplant. This life-changing gift brought a new perspective to him, and a deeper appreciation of all the health care workers, neighbours, and close friends that helped him through this change. If you wish to honour the memory of Burton, consider signing your organ donor card online, or contribute to the charity of your choice.


Burt will be fondly remembered and deeply missed

by his family and all those who knew him.

Friends and neighbours are invited to share memories of Burton
at a gathering at Très-Saint-Sacrement Town Hall
on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1:00—3:00 p.m.

 

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13 messages.


  1. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    To Burt’s family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss.

    I met Burt back in the early eighties when I was a newbie in the Amateur radio family. Burt and I worked on several projects together and was instrumental in helping me to put 220 MHz on the map in Montreal and even in upstate New York). We did this by building (not buying) repeater antennas and duplexers. We often saw each other at the Deerfield New Hampshire Hamfest which was one of our favorite stops.

    I will miss my friend Burt, may you rest in peace.

    73, Nick


  2. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    My deepest sympathy to all his friend and family, was it ever fun to have long discussions with him, every thing would interest him. So sad, your friend Guillaume.


  3. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    My condolences to Burts family and friends.

    I remember Burt from my first days of attending the West Island HamFests back in the 1980’s . Larry Dobby and Burt ran the hours long auction. Now and then, I purchased a few items from Burt, some of which, I still have today. He was a very knowledgable man and truely dedicated to the hobby of amature radio. Burt will be missed. R.I.P. Burt.


  4. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    My deepest condolences go out to all of Burt’s family. I was saddened to hear of Burt’s passing, another silent key. I knew and worked with Burt on a few projects back in the day for the Covey Hill Amature Radio Club. The man was a walking library. I remember a time we were working in his basement rebuilding some filter cans for the club repeater and he had asked me to reach up on the top shelf to get him a pair of side wire cutters. I brought the box down and opened it and asked, which one do you want? He said, « The green handled pair. » I replied, any particular shade of green you’re looking for? You see, there must have been 100 pair of cutters in that box and they were ALL green. Burt smiled and said he liked going to sales down in the US and buying stuff by the pound.
    Burt will be missed by all family friends and everyone he’s touched throughout his journey, however he’s left us great memories, stories and archives to remember him by. And, if you listen hard enough, you may just catch him sending a CQ from the other side.

    Dan Pomminville – VE2PDF


  5. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Please accept our condolences
    I met M. Burton with Normand Bourgoin VE2BNR in 1981 when I studied for my ham radio license and he helped me understanding lamp théories.
    Thanks M. Burton.

    Daniel Grenon VE2GVB


  6. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    To all Burton’s family,

    Please accept our condolences.

    Burton shared with me a few anecdotes regarding his amateur radio life.

    Some of his past amateur radio operators friends, from Plattsburgh, also shared with me a few good anecdotes about Burton!

    May he rest in peace.

    Alain Reid
    VA2WE (Covey Hill Amateur Radio Club)


  7. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Burt was a remarkable and extraordinary man. An unaccountable number of people have benefited from his efforts related to genealogy and Chateauguay Valley history. My condolences to his family who I know he cared very much.


  8. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Having known Burt for many years and spent many hours discussing family history and local history, we will miss him. Our condolences to the family.


  9. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    Je garde un bon souvenir de monsieur Lang, il aimait à l’occasion jaser de l’histoire de notre région, sujet qui me passionne aussi. Sincères condoléances à ses proches


  10. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    I was very saddened to hear the news of Burton’s passing. My deepest condolences to everyone in his family. Burton was a mentor, colleague, and friend to me. He will be greatly missed.


  11. RÉPONDRE // REPLY

    To all Burt’s family, please accept my most heartfelt condolences. His passing leaves a great void in all the lives that he touched. I will miss him deeply.