Michael Harry Lane

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Lane, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Michael passed away peacefully on his 34th wedding anniversary, September 6, 2024 at the age of 81 in Fredericksburg, VA.

Born on October 22, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA, Michael was the son of Harry and Laura Lane. His love of outdoor activities (tennis, walking and biking) and worldwide travel was well-known, and he often shared these passions with friends and family, especially his late wife, Bettsy with whom he shared many international and outdoor adventures.

Mike Lane was an extravagantly generous and charismatic man who, upon receiving a compliment, was known to give the watch off his wrist to a man on the street. He always looked to support servers and local business establishments and didn’t know a stranger, evidenced by his daily walks to purchase the newspaper and a drink to the local woman owned neighborhood mart in Gloucester and later to the Fredericksburg O’Charley’s that fed him daily during the pandemic, even when their doors were officially closed to indoor dining. Everyone who encountered him, remembered him for his kindness, friendliness and generosity.

Professionally, Mike was a force to be reckoned with - a Navy vet and lifetime public servant that culminated in distinction as the Deputy Commissioner of the United States Customs Service under 3 Commissioners and Acting Commissioner twice. A published author of “Customs Modernization and the International Trade Superhighway” and worthy recipient of the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, given in person by Ronald Reagan, he was an excellent representation of the extraordinary contributions he made to national security, trade facilitation, and the enforcement and modernization of customs laws and organizations. His leadership, vision, and dedication to public service have left an indelible mark on the customs community and the nation.

Beyond his formal public service, he was also a frequent writer of opinion pieces and letters to the editor, speaking up and taking stands on social injustices such as fighting the industry on behalf of many who were taken advantage of via payday loans. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments in the Federal Government but also for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Mike was a private man who adored his three children, Michael, Laura Lee, and Ian, his granddaughter, Leann and her two children, Jaycen and Aleena, and his grandsons, Alan Michael and Brody. He was a loving and welcoming father-in-law to Donnie, Michael, and Liz. He sought out to understand and genuinely support the various hobbies, interests and endeavors his family undertook and took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

Already dearly missed by many, Mike has been described by a cherished friend of 40 years as “the most special person I have ever known”. His legacy of extravagant generosity and his perpetual quest for the greater good will live on through his family and friends, who adored him.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Laura Lane, his wife, Bettsy Lane, his sisters, Betty and Loretta, and brothers, Jim and Buddy. He is survived by his daughter, Laura Ragland (Michael Pontbriand), sons, Michael Lane and Ian (Liz) Lane, grandchildren, Leann, Alan Michael and Brody and great grandchildren, Jaycen and Aleena.

A joint celebration of Mike and Bettsy's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.