December 6, 1929 - September 19, 2022
LANGFORD — Henry George (Harry), 92 years, died peacefully on September 19th, 2022 at Avenir Memory Center in Nanaimo, BC, following a rapid decline as a result of a hip fracture.
He leaves son Glen Langford (Shelley), granddaughter Brynne Langford(Harrison), grandson Jaden Langford, granddaughter Taryn Silver (Dave) and great-grandchildren Anika and Kai Silver, plus extended family and friends.
Born (December 6th, 1929) and raised in Winnipeg, MB, the son of Alfred and Laura Langford, he displayed exceptional athletic talent throughout his school years. He moved to Calgary, AB, in 1949, at age 20, to pursue a professional football career with the CFL Calgary Stampeders. His skill and endurance as a lineman earned him the nickname 'iron man', and his 10-year (1949-58) all-star contribution to the club was recognized with a place on the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame in 1992. Harry was later inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (2012) for his football achievements. Post sports, Harry chose to work in the steel industry, starting as a Salesman and quickly rising to Vice President of Sales at Prudential Steel in Calgary. For his years of volunteer service to the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, he was awarded Honorary Life Director status. He retired to Nanaimo, BC, in 1997.
In his later years, Harry was fond of golf, fishing and gardening, all of which he approached with great zeal. He also dedicated much time to the local Special Olympics and Restorative Justice Program, as well as organizing numerous fundraiser events for church and community.
Harry ascribed to the life philosophy of the late great footballer Vince Lombardi, who supposed, "football is like life... it requires perseverance, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority." As with so many top athletes, his passionate 'will to win' (derived from a mix of stubborn persistence, fervent competitiveness, and intense perfectionism) delivered success in sports and business and life in general.
No service will be held.