Douglas Kirk Langham

Doug passed away peacefully on June 9, 2016 at the age of 75. He was born in Mason, Michigan on September 15, 1940, the son of Ora Glenn (Doc) and Nellie Langham. This kind, smart, gentle, generous man was much loved and will be long remembered.

After graduating from Mason High School and working for several years in Detroit, Doug moved to the San Francisco Bay area in the late 1960s where he earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University Hayward. He loved to tell stories about working his way through college as a “repo man.” He returned to the Lansing area in 1972 and took a position as a disability determination examiner, beginning a career with the State of Michigan that spanned 30 years. After earning his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University, Doug became a vocational rehabilitation counselor. From 1977 until his retirement in 2002, he served as administrator of the Vocational Rehabilitation Division in the Department of Labor where he was a tireless advocate for injured workers.

Doug served as the department’s reasonable accommodation coordinator, chair of the ADA implementation team, was a member of the Governor’s Special Action Committee on Disability Management and held hearings in the area of vocational rehabilitation service delivery. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise as a guest lecturer at MSU and Wayne State University where he also served on the Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Councils.

A longtime member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA), Doug served on the board of directors for many years. As MRA president, Doug fostered the adoption of rehabilitation standards. Doug was well-known and deeply respected by his peers for his unwavering commitment to injured workers and the rehabilitation field. He was proud to receive the prestigious Mary Switzer Scholar Award from the National Rehabilitation Association and the MRA Award of Excellence.

Doug was a dedicated member of the East Lansing Rotary, where as president he was instrumental in the club’s decision to build the Playground in the Park at Patriarch Park, which has been enjoyed by countless children ever since. He was active at the district level, serving as an assistant governor for Rotary District 6360 and developing and chairing the district’s Speakers Bureau. Always committed to citizen diplomacy, Doug was an active member of the Lansing Regional Sister City Commission, twice visiting Saint Petersburg, Russia as a member of its delegation. As part of a Rotary Humanitarian Aid Mission, Doug helped organize and deliver a busload of medical supplies from Lansing to Nicaragua.

In 1992 Doug married the love of his life, Joan Bauer. Together they renovated an old home, traveled far and wide, hosted countless gatherings for family and friends, and were always ready for the next adventure. Doug’s photography skills are legendary. He loved World War II fighter planes, traveling (especially to national parks), Tin Roof sundaes, and watching the sunset in South Haven, particularly when the Friends Good Will tall ship was sailing.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Joan Bauer, his brother Richard Dimond, sister Dorothy Taylor, nephew James Taylor, parents-in-law Jean and Ted Bauer, brother-in-law Joe Bauer (Liz), sister-in-law Nancie Bauer, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored him. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald.

Doug lived with Parkinson’s disease for 15 years but did not let it define him. He will always be remembered for his kindness, integrity and generosity. In his memory, be kind.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, June 22, 2016 from 5-8 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 East Michigan Avenue in Lansing. A “Celebration of Doug’s Life” for friends and family will be held Thursday, June 23 at 3:00 pm at the Country Club of Lansing. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the East Lansing Rotary Foundation, the Michigan Maritime Museum for the Friends Good Will, and the Stoneleigh Residence/Hospice of Lansing. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.