Brian Ellis Langley

Brian was predeceased by his parents, Jean and Ellis Langley, and is survived by his wife Margaret; children Susan (David) Vanier, Brett (Heather) Langley and David (Jenna Hubbert) Langley; grandchildren Louis Vanier, Lily Langley and Lucy Langley; and siblings Leckie Langley and Larry (Joan) Langley.

Born on December 7, 1945 in Wolfville Nova Scotia, Brian grew up in Port Hawkesbury, as well as in Bridgewater.

Brian’s childhood was eventful and he often entertained family in retelling his tales of innocent fun and unintended consequences. He was very fortunate to grow up with grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He loved and valued his family, and remained close with many.

As a young adult, Brian chose teaching as a career. After sampling several university programs and campuses, Brian graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1967. Teaching stories included his time in Chester, Herring Cove, and the school whose gymnasium and athletes brought him great pride, Sackville High. Brian made lifelong friends with fellow Phys. Ed. teachers and remembered countless students whom he had coached or taught, well past his retirement. His greatest devotion as an educator was to his students—developing their athletic skills across all ability levels, providing unique opportunities they might not otherwise have had, and dedicatedly coaching the girls' basketball team and the school track and field team.

Brian’s talents, knowledge and love of track and field led to significant contributions to the sport along with many adventures. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 after having held leadership and board positions at the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Olympic Association. The pinnacle of this career was being named Head of Delegation for the Canadian Track and Field team at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992. Brian traveled around the world in these roles and also served as an official for various Commonwealth and international events. His pride in representing Nova Scotia and Canada was immense.

Brian was honoured to be awarded the 125 year anniversary of Canada medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal. Both for significant contribution to public life and community.

In retirement, Brian was able to spend more time at the cottage in Toney River with friends and family. He was an accomplished lobster boiler and server, bartender and Toney River Olympics Chef de Mission. Off season weekends at the cottage with “the boys” were a tradition that lasted many years, and details about these weekends are suitably not available. Later, annual winter trips to Mexico became a new tradition where many good times were had with family and friends.

Throughout all of these experiences, Brian had his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret, by his side. Together, Margaret and Brian provided their children with love, wisdom, encouragement, and opportunity. In their later years, their grandchildren Louis, Lily and Lucy kept them active and full of joy.

His family is extremely grateful that Brian survived lung cancer eleven years ago and that he pushed through his more recent health struggles so that his time with them was extended as long as it was. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

Visitation will take place at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home in Halifax, on Thursday, November 12th, from 2-4pm.

The funeral will be held at Hillside United Church in Halifax, on Friday, November 13th, at 2pm with reception following in the church hall.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Nova Scotia or KidSport Nova Scotia.