Random Questions: Gary Lange

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Within a couple of weeks Dr. Gary Lange will be well on his way to Nepal and Bhutan. It will be his second trip to Nepal to volunteer his time and skills as a dentist.

“You see things you wouldn’t ever see as just a tourist,” Lange said. “You get to relate to people on a whole different level and the children are so appreciative.”

Although Lange incorporates tourism into his international trips, the tourism aspect “becomes secondary after working with the people,” Lange said.

Following 42 years of practicing dentistry in Sequim, Lange retired about two years ago. Though in his retirement, Lange only has found more time to volunteer in his field both locally and internationally.

Question #16: What is your favorite Sequim event?

Lange: “Over time it has become the Lavender Festival. It is fun to have company over to go visit all the farms and experience the event with.”

Question #2: Why did you move to Sequim?

Lange: “It was a compromise with my wife between the heat of Richland, where I grew up, and the rain of Seattle, where she is from. We moved here in 1970 and at that time I thought I was just moving to a quiet little farming town – it has been the greatest decision ever.”

Question #45: What do you like best about yourself?

Lange: “I think probably my honesty and moral compass. My mother even told me I was too honest sometimes. Growing up in church helped to provide that moral compass and I have always maintained that.”

Question #10: Can you share one thing people might not know about you?

Lange: “I like to do things with my hands and be able to see what I’ve done. I think that’s why I like dentistry and construction so much. I tend to move through a lot of interests but I always do things where I am actively using my hands. Also, most people probably don’t know I had a motorcycle for a while, but decided to get rid of it before it got rid of me.”

Question #12: What is your earliest memories?

Lange: “I think one of my earliest memories is my first day of kindergarten looking into the classroom through the window. I can’t seem to remember much past that.”

In Random Questions, members of the community each draw five random questions (sometimes more) out of 50 from a bag and he/she will answer these questions for your entertainment. With suggestions for random interviews, e-mail Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.