A man of Integrity Wilfred Clarence Langford born in Calicut on 16th May 1928 to Samuel & Elizabeth Langford, had a lonely yet cheerful start to his life, considering that his mother passed away due to child birth.

He grew up in the guardianship of his paternal uncle Albert in Bangalore. With quality education at St Joseph’s European High School, where he was the undisputed School Captain for 3 years, Wilfred grew in academics & extra-curricular activities of drama and singing. He was also an athlete, his specialty being that of track and field of 100m, 400m and relay. He was so truly proud of St. Joseph’s, that he never missed an opportunity to talk about his old school days or even think twice before agreeing to attend and participate in the OBA Annual function.

As a husband, Wilfred was true and simple – so uncomplicated that he and Kathleen celebrated 54 years of happiness together. As a father he was a well mannered, sensitive, well spoken, good and a disciplined role model for his family.

                Despite his work and being the father of 8 children he was a man of dedication. He made time for God and his neighbours. He worked in many fields of the church. He served as President of the English Curia of the Kurnool Diocese for 6 years, and was the President of the Junior Legion of Mary – Cause of our Joy. He also played an important part in the Choir - singing tenor at St. Ann’s Parish Guntakal. Despite him being frail he continued to be enthusiastic about doing the readings in church. He had a natural flair for English as a language and taught English at the seminary for 3 years.

After working on the Indian Railways at Guntakal for almost 4 decades, he retired in 1986, but that never stopped Wilfred from being occupied. He found this late passion for painting in his retired life and soon began to make master pieces. The greatest of them all being the portrait of Mother Teresa. As God’s blessing it may have been – that the same portrait was autographed by Mother herself and to date the same portrait proudly finds its place in his living room. This showed that God blessed him with abundant talent.

Funnily for the people of this age and world – Wilfred never believed in any other means of transport - even a bicycle, but instead he always trusted in his own two feet. To date, the people of Guntakal remembered him as a ‘speed king’, who would overtake anyone in a race to the office.

Words can never express the loving and caring attitude of Wilfred as a loving father. Dad would always put family ahead of his career on the Indian Railways. He would refuse many a transfer just to ensure continuity of education for all his children. Today, all the 8 children stand testimony to Dad’s ineffable love and affection. There are innumerable instances where dad has shown us the way in a simple – yet powerful manner.

Poppy, as Wilfred was christened, with that name by his 12 loving grand-children. All of them definitely have chips of the old block. From the oldest grandson to his youngest grand daughter, Poppy has never disappointed anyone.

Finally it will be most apt to quote Isaiah 62, 3  “You are the crown of beauty in the hands of the Lord and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” This person so great yet so humble, is our Dad.

Willie, Dad & Poppy – all different loving ways of calling the one and only husband, father and grandfather.

You will be forever loved and deeply missed by one and all – a true gentleman to the end.

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Dad's Memorial Service

 

 

Wilfred Langford's Paintings

What started as a pass-time to ensure some occupation post retirement, almost turned out to be a new profession for Wilfred. He soon realised that he had a golden hand, which could make pieces look better than the original. Though this hobby started late in Wilfred's life, his sketches has always been and continues to be, admired.

These pictures are the outcome of the reproductive painting skills of the Father of Willis Langford