The Yukon has lost another giant personality and legend.

Former MLA and cabinet minister Archie Lang died this week. He would have turned 73 next month.

Lang was remembered Thursday by people throughout the territory, but in particular by his political colleagues.

The longtime businessman had owned supermarkets in Watson Lake and Whitehorse, as well as the Caribou Hotel in Carcross and the Watson Lake Hotel.

Lang was the brother of Dan Lang, a former Yukon Territorial Progressive Conservative Party cabinet minister and the territory’s ex-senator.

The late cabinet minister’s niece, Sara MacIntyre, a former Yukoner now living in Alberta, posted a poignant lament on his passing via social media.

“I don’t want to even try to sum up Archie, it isn’t possible, but I would like to say he lived a life devoted to my Aunt Karen, his partner in everything, the love of his life and best friend, and his children, whom he adored.”

MacIntyre related the stories of the Lang family history in the post.

The family moved to the Yukon in 1956 and lived in various communities building a life for themselves and becoming a close-knit unit that thrived through the generations.

MacIntyre said her uncle “fell in love with his little niece and spoiled her rotten” over the years.

“In 1956, my grandparents traversed the dusty, windy Alaska Highway, pulling a 14 ft trailer carrying their 4 children, Heather, Mary and their young twins, Archie & Danny. They came as homesteaders, pioneers of the north, and staked their claim in building the bridges of the Yukon Territory, often living in the outer communities like Stewart Crossing and Pelly Crossing.

“Their successes were hard won and at the heart of it all was a family that valued an honest work ethic, strength in character and above all, each other. This family held each other up and came together around the kitchen table with laughter, sometimes debate and always stimulating conversation about the world at large.

“I think because they grew up so close and without much, that over the decades, they have never strayed too far from one another, raising families whose children now call cousins friends and whose values embody their own.

“I have been unable to go to the Yukon, to say goodbye or be with family as we all mourn. COVID has been the harsh barrier separating us, and cancer, the cruel queen that took away hope all too quickly for a beloved man who had much more of a life to live, grandchildren to adore and more stories to tell.

“This family of ours is better than any treasure and Archie, like Danny, Mary and Heather, is home to me, wherever I may be. It is absolutely inconceivable he is not with us anymore,” MacIntyre said.

“If I could bottle up one moment it would be 2 years ago when the boys and I stayed at beautiful Fox Farm (in Whitehorse) and Archie & I were the early risers. I joined him for coffee on his deck and as we watched the Yukon River make its mighty journey, we shared a peaceful slice of that morning and some quiet conversation.

“Archie has always been a busy man, and didn’t sit still much, so that was a real gift, just to be in his brilliant light for a time, to just be home.”

“It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of former Yukon Party MLA Archie Lang, who was a true giant of Yukon history,” Currie Dixon, the leader of the Yukon Party, said Thursday.

“Archie served the Yukon well over his two terms in office and played a key part in the Yukon Party governments elected in 2002 and 2006, serving as a minister in three portfolios during that time. He was also a prominent and successful businessman in several communities throughout the Yukon.

“It’s likely as many Yukoners knew Lang from his business ventures, which included grocery stores and hotels as from his political career.

“While his voice in the legislature was often calm and measured, Archie was known for his ability to get just about any room roaring with laughter,” Dixon said.

That was a common theme among people who knew Lang. His sense of humour was renowned and larger than life.

“His tales of days gone by were legendary and he loved offering anyone who would listen a glimpse into the old days of the territory,” said Dixon.

“His presence alone attracted people, and it was never uncommon to see anyone in earshot keeled over with laughter when Archie would recant one of his stories,” Dixon recalled.

“Archie played an instrumental role in the development of the Yukon Party, and was an important mentor to me personally. On behalf of the Yukon Party family, I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

NDP Leader Kate White said “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former MLA Archie Lang.

“Archie was a powerful voice in Yukon politics, a champion of Yukon history, and a dedicated representative who was never afraid to take on a new challenge. He will be greatly missed.”

Premier Sandy Silver issued a statement as well marking the passing of Lang and his colourful personality.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Archie Lang. Archie was very committed to the territory and had an impressive political career,” the premier said.

“He was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the general election on Nov. 4, 2002 and continued to represent Porter Creek Centre as an MLA in the Yukon Party until 2011.”

Lang did not seek re-election that year.

“During Archie’s time with the Government of Yukon, he served as the minister of Highways and Public Works, Community Services, and Energy, Mines and Resources. Archie was greatly involved in Yukon’s outfitting and tourism sector, and he served on a number of boards to advance business activity and share his insight,” the premier added.

“To commemorate Archie Lang’s service to Yukon, flags at the Government of Yukon Main Administration Building will fly at half-mast for seven days.

“My thoughts go out to his wife, Karen and his three children Graham, Meagan and Fraser, as well as his considerable extended family,” Silver said.

“Archie’s integral role in government over the years will always be remembered. Yukon has lost one of its great champions. May his memory live on through his stories.”

Yukon Party MLA Scott Kent was also grieving the loss Thursday.

“Unfortunately, the Yukon lost a great man yesterday with the passing of Archie Lang,” said Kent.

“He was a giant in our private sector and served two terms as the MLA for Porter Creek Centre and held a variety of cabinet portfolios. He always had the ability to bring a smile to your face with a funny story or two.”

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell said, “I wish to extend my condolences to the family of former Yukon cabinet minister Archie Lang. 

“Always quick on his feet, I will remember him best for his great sense of humour and for his incredible honesty.

“He was totally nonpartisan, and a friend to everyone from all walks of life. He was a great Yukoner, and the joy he brought to the world will be sorely missed.”