Obituary for ~
James Howard Langille
January.02.1906 - October.08.1998
LANGILLE, J. Howard - 92, Annapolis Royal, died October 8, 1998
at Annapolis Community Health Centre.
Born in Annapolis Royal,
he was a son of the late James Arthur and Naomi (Bowles) Langille.
Howard's life reflected a commitment ot humanity, particularly in providing opportunities for youth and community development. He served with the YMCA in various capacities over 17 years. This included assignments in Halifax, Montreal, Midland, London and west Toronto, as well as directing their summer camps at Big Cove, Kanawana, Kitchikiwana and Silver Beach. In 1936, he was a Canadian representative to the World Youth Congress at the League of Nations in Geneva. In the late 1940s Howard and his wife Marion built "Sky Loft' a family ski and conference centre north of Toronto. He was York University's first director of recreation and athletics in the 1960s. Upon returning Nova Scotia in 1967, he assumed numerous volunteer positions such as: chairman of the Annapolis Royal Recreation Commission; president of the Board of Trade; president of the Order of Good Cheer; member, Annapolis County Planning Commission; member, Western Valley Ploughshares; chairman, Tidal Power Liason Committee; president, United Church Men's Club, and coordinator of Adult Education and Recreation at the Annapolis West Education Centre, Night School. Howard remained active in progressive social and political issues in his latter years, running as the New Democratic Party Candidate for Annapolis West in 1986. His was a life of learning and exploring new possibilities, one that included diverse travels and studies at McGill, Acadia, University of Western Ontario and Dalhousie University, from where he graduated at the age of 90. Just prior to his final moments, he expressed his gratitude for the ongoing medical and nursing care. As close friends have acknowledged, "never one to let personal adversity get him down, he passed on because his body finally couldn't keep up with his indomitable spirit... his will to live life to the full in all circumstances." Aside from being a wonderful husband and father, he will be remembered for his sense of fun, his kindness and his commitment to wider social well-being.
He is survived by his wife, Marion;
sons, David and Peter
granddaughter, Megan.
Howard's body was accepted for medical research at Dalhousie University. Memorial service and reception will be held in St. George and St. Andrew's United Church, Annapolis, Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the J. Howard Langille Swimming Pool (c/o Recreation Commission of Annapolis Royal) or the Annapolis Royal Community Health Centre.
This memorial appeared Thursday, October 15, 1998
The Halifax Herald Limited
Return to Langille Obituaries
Return to the Langill - Langille Home Page