Bruce Wayne Lang, 68, not to be confused with Batman, died doing what he did best, taking care of everyone else. Bruce was a volunteer firefighter, EMT, husband, father, and mechanic extraordinaire. He never boasted, but as anyone who knew him would say, ‘‘If Bruce can’t fix it, no one can.’’

Bruce was part of a community of like-minded people who believed strongly in the power of doing what you can to help. He began volunteering in his community when he first moved to Pine Haven after serving in the military. Bruce is remembered for always finding solutions to problems. Like the time he fashioned a makeshift ambulance out of a hearse when his community was in need. The hearse (ambulance) he drove with his wife in the back, providing EMT services for several years before the town could afford a professional ambulance.

He spent over 36 years working for a local coal mine as a mechanic, preferring the hands-on approach over anything in the office. He was a member of the volunteer rescue team at the coal mine. Bruce equipped himself with the skills needed to help others, including the ability to scale large pieces of equipment and buildings and provide emergency medical care in whatever situation occurred. Additionally, he helped to train new volunteers, providing guidance and mentoring along the way. Bruce believed in always doing what you could and not walking by the problem, a philosophy he always encouraged others to embrace.

Outside of Bruce’s volunteering, he stayed busy and pursued lifelong passions such as spending time with his wife, the love of his life, and his only daughter, Becca. Bruce loved being in the mountains and riding horses with his family. As he would tell you, “Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.” Every free weekend he had would be spent snowmobiling, hunting, riding horses, or fishing with his family and friends. Even though he kept busy, he always had time for those he loved and always time to help when the need arose.