Michael Huff Lang, 74, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, surrounded by his close friends and hospice worker, Claudia Melendez of Ashley Caring Services. A passionate teacher and lifelong archery enthusiast, Michael dedicated over 30 years to instructing archery at La Loma Park in Berkeley. His Sunday classes, where he taught the art of bow-drawing, became a beloved tradition in the community. Michael’s lessons weren’t just about shooting arrows—they combined history, technique, and the quiet discipline of the sport.
A history graduate from Cal, Michael’s deep knowledge of the past often seeped into his archery lessons. He loved sharing stories like the Battle of Agincourt, using them to explain the significance of the longbow and its role in history. His students, ranging from children to adults, would practice alongside each other, united by a love for archery and his enthusiastic guidance. He taught not just the mechanics of shooting, but the mental focus required to be a great archer.
Michael’s love for archery extended beyond teaching. He also held a fascination with Bhutan, where archery is the national sport. He invited Bhutanese archers to Berkeley for demonstrations, and later visited Bhutan to experience their archery culture firsthand. His influence on the sport stretched well beyond La Loma Park, with many of his students continuing the craft he taught them.
His approach to archery was both calm and energizing—an unforgettable mix of precision and creativity. “You have a warrior’s draw,” he’d tell a student, encouraging them to push their limits. He also believed in the deeper philosophy of the sport, seeing it as a metaphor for life. His lessons weren’t just about hitting a target—they were about focus, patience, and mindfulness.
Michael’s legacy as an archery instructor lives on in the countless students who carry on the silent and powerful art of the bow. He is survived by his longtime partner, Michelle Straka, friends, and family, all of whom will remember his passion for archery and the life lessons he shared.
