JAMES LAWTHER LANGFORD

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JAMES LAWTHER LANGFORD James Lawther Langford (Jim) of Russell, MB passed away peacefully on December 20, 2006 at the Russell and District Personal Care Home after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease at the age of 78 years. Jim was born on October 27, 1928 in Russell and received all his schooling there. He was employed at an early age by the Manitoba Liquor Commission and worked in that capacity both at Winnipegosis, MB and later at Russell for a 35 year career. Jim's favourite quip was to say that he was a man of Good-Spirits . After returning to Russell with his wife, Jean (Muirhead) and their son, Bill, Jim was involved in the Knox United Church and served as a longtime school trustee on the Pelly Trail school board, acting as chairman for several years. In 1980, he was elected Mayor of Russell, a position he held for nine years. Jim used to say with pride that he was the only Mayor of Russell who was born and raised in the town he so loved to serve. A long term member of both Winnipegosis and Russell B.P.O. Elks, Jim held the esteemed position of Exalted Ruler at both of these Lodges. He served as President of the Yellowhead Highway Association in 1991 and 1992, and was honoured to receive the Builder of the Year award in 1996 for his efforts. Jim was predeceased by his first wife Jean, his parents Larry and Alta, and one brother, Jack. Surviving to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Madeline (Henschel) Langford; his son Bill; stepchildren, Gary and Jan; sister-in-law Doris Langford, several nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as many longtime Russell friends. The funeral service was held Saturday, December 23 from the Knox United Church, Russell with Rev. David Howell officiating. Interment followed at the Russell Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service of Russell, Manitoba was in care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2006