Today, my grandfather, Virgil Langworthy, passed away.
Today, heaven welcomed a new angel.
Today, my dad celebrated with joy as his father walked into the gates of heaven.
Today, I am grieving for the loss of my grandfather, but remembering the incredible life that he led.
My grandfather lived a long and happy life. He accomplished many things in his 88 years on Earth. He was married for 51 years to his wife and together they raised an amazing son. He was loved by many and admired by even more. He was an intelligent man with so much to share. He impacted the lives of all the people that he came in contact with...me included!
Last April, we were lucky enough to travel to Michigan so Grandpa could meet his great-grandson. I was able to get several pictures of Alex and Grandpa together - pictures that I will treasure always. As I cried today, I also rejoiced. I knew that my Grandfather would be sharing the memories of Alex with my Mom and Dad. I take comfort knowing that they were able to meet.
Rest in Peace my sweet Grandpa. I will miss you and love you always.
Here is the slideshow that I created to be played at the Memorial Service:
Here is the Obituary that was published in the Lansing Journal on July 23, 2009:
Virgil Walter Langworthy died on July 22, 2009. He was born in Alma, Michigan on October 2, 1920, to F. Milo Langworthy and Dorthea (Swope) Langworthy. The family came to Lansing in 1932 where he attended public schools including Lansing Eastern High School. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Microbiology. Employed by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, he joined the U.S. Navy V-12 college program and was commissioned Ensign in 1944 at the USNR Mid-Shipman’s School, Columbia University, New York, NY.
He served in the Pacific as Aide to the Commander, Administrative Command, Amphibious Forces, 1944-46. Following WWII, he was a member of the U.S. Navy Research Reserve from which he retired in 1969 as Lieutenant Commander, USN. During his career, LCDR Langworthy was superintendent of water treatment for Adrian, MI, Chlorine Institute Specialist, New York, NY, Application Engineer for a manufacturer of water system equipment, Providence, RI and a water industry technical publication editor for 15 years. In 1980, he joined Michigan State University as an Academic Specialist, working with the Office of Executive Development Programs. There, he developed correspondence courses taken by thousands of supervisors in water/wastewater systems in the U.S and abroad. He was an active member of the University Club of MSU and avidly supported Forest Akers golf course.
He was a member of the American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, serving on many committees and the Water Research Foundation. Virgil was a charter member of the Capitol Area Chapter, Military Officers Association of America, serving as Chapter President and President of the Association’s State Council of Chapters.
He served two terms on the Lansing City Planning Board, two terms as a Trustee of the Michigan Museum of Surveying and was active with the Lansing Eastern High School Alumni Fund. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, served as Deacon, on committees and the Plymouth Congregational Memorials Foundation.
Hobbies included a lifetime of golf, classical music, crossword puzzle solving and construction. As Puzzleguy, his puzzles were published nationally and in his book, “Puzzles for Seniors”.
Virgil Langworthy was preceded in death (1997) by his wife, Valadine Ione (VanCore) of 51 years, and his son James W. and daughter-in-law Kathy Sue (Schmitzer); both died in a motorcycle accident (2005). Survivors include granddaughter Sarah Ann Cothren, her husband Larry Ellis Cothren, III and great-grandson Alexander James Cothren. Also surviving are brothers, M. Charles Langworthy, Donald W. Langworthy and family nieces and nephews.
The Rev. David T. Banfield will conduct a memorial service at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009. Internment at Evergreen Cemetery will be private. In lieu of floral tributes, contributions may be made to the Plymouth Congregational Memorials Foundation, 2001 E. Grand River, Lansing, MI 48912, to the Lansing Eastern High School Alumni Fund, Capital Regional Community Foundation, 603 Executive Drive #104, Lansing, MI 28911, or to a personal preference.
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