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Wilfred Clarence Langford (1928 - 2009)
Good Bye Captain
A tribute by S Ramani
Captain Wilfred Langford is not amongst us anymore. A definitive moment of grief for all of us nevertheless.
Coming into this world from ‘God’s own country’ and heading back to ‘God’s own kingdom’, a journey filled with experiences, leaving behind a trail of rich legacies, a life of joy and contentment, a life of sacrifices and learning, a life of preaching and teaching, a beacon of light for those searching for a meaning in this complicated world of ours.
A captain in every true sense of the word. A captain whose sense of duty earned him laurels and more importantly good friends and neighbors during his working years. A captain who had to delicately balance work with family. Like a true army captain fighting in an inhospitable terrain, he had to manage his family with whatever resources at his command, and still win. And he did.
A remarkable person, who plumped for Discipline, and for whom ethics was topmost in his agenda in whatever he did, perfection the key. So much so that he will not tolerate a shabby dress or a wrong English sentence! To him traditions are to be followed, and modern practices imbibed without undermining his core values in life!
A person for whom God was the centre of everything he did! An eternal source of strength, in all his years, through all his struggles, and a mentor in all his successes. And when he prayed God listened, the people around him listened, and the society benefited!
Few in this world would give the kind of importance as captain did for his family. He never gave them millions, but taught each of his children how to make millions. He never pampered them with love, but inculcated in them the true meaning of caring and sharing, of giving love and earning it back. He never ordered them to stick together, instead in his own subtle ways, made them realize the joy of being together, through the ups and downs of life. And he succeeded!
Captain! You have steered the ship across choppy seas, fighting cyclonic storms and depressions. You have also enjoyed the clear blue skies, the glowing sunsets, and chirping birds along the journey. The passengers have disembarked, happy and richer by their experience of having been with you.
Its now time once again for putting up the sails! Time Captain, to start another journey into the unknown! But we all know that you will reach your destination safe and sound along with the passengers on board!
Good luck Captain and Good Bye!!!
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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
Disclaimer
The views and thoughts expressed in this site solely represent that of Willis Langford
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