Philip David Lang

Born in Portland, Oregon, December 16, 1929, Phil was fifth of five children of Vera Margaret (Kern) Lang and Henry Winfield Lang. raised in southeast Portland, Phil was part of the large pioneer family led by Clinton Kelly who came to Oregon by wagon train in 1848. He attended Woodstock Grade School and graduated from Franklin High School in 1947. With many jobs going to returning WWII veterans, Phil secured the releuctant permisison of his parents to enlist in the U.S.Army at age 17. He served in the Army Air Corps for three years, including 25 months in Japan with an air intelligence unit.

Phil attended Lewis & Clark College on the GI bill, served as an Oregon State Police Trooper, attended the Northwest College of Law, trained as a claims adjuster, ran unsuccesfuully for Multnomah County Sherriff, and was an assistannt to Mayor Terry Schrunk all before he turned 30 years of age. He married Marcia J. Smith in 1952 and welcomed the birth of their son, Philip David, in 1961.

Phil was employed for 35 years with the North Pacific/Oregon Automobile Insurance Companies, earning promotion to Vice President with responsiblity for all personal lines business in several states. He learned the business from the ground up, maintaining strong relationships with agents, and a keen focus on transitioning from paper-driven operation to the new world of computer technology.

Dedication to public service and political participation ran deep in the families of both of Phil's parents, and he was no exception. He was recruited to run for the Oregon House of Representatives and was elected in 1960. he attended the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy as a guest of Congresswoman Edith Green, a longtime friend and mentor.

Phil served in the legislature for 18 years, including four years as Speaker of the House from 1975-1979. Under his guidance, and that of friend and colleague Senate President Jason Boe, plans for adding two office wings to the State Capitol were approved and construction commenced immediately after sine die 1975. Office spaces for legislators and staff, and new public hearing rooms were ready for occupancy in time for opening day of the 1977 session.

Phil had an intense respect for the institution of the Legislative Assembly and the unique roles of both the House and the State Senate. He was a key leader in the 1973 Legislative Improvements Committee and as Speaker he initiated changes to streamline bill management processses and to develop both in-depth knowledge and leadership potential in those assigned as committee chairs and to the critical Ways and Means Committee.

Phil was appointed as Chair of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission by Governor John Kitzhaber and reappointed by Governor Ted Kulongoski, serving in that role from 1998-2011.

He served on many professional and non-profit boards and was current member of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation Board. He was active in DeMolay and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

Phil is survived by his wife of close to 45 years, Ginny; his son Phil; and his nephew, Don Clark. Also surviving are scores of people with whom Phil forged friedships throughout his many years of service to Oregon. He collected friends like some people collect coins, shells or rocks. It didn't matter to Phil whether they were Democrat, Republican or non-affiliated. All that mattered was that they were genuine and kind individuals.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:30am at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 9905 S.W. McKenzie Street in Tigard. Inurnment will take place on Wednesday, January 8 at 3pm at Willamette National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Oregon State Capitol Foundaiton Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 13472, Salem OR 97309; Oregon State Polic Foundation, P.O. Box 2074, Salem Oregon, 97308; or the charity of one's choice.

Young's Funeral Home in Tigard in in charge of arrangements.