Robert (Bob) Armstrong Langley

Musician and Union Stalwart, Vice-President and Acting Treasurer of Local 180

Robert Langley of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away Saturday November 24th, 2012, at the age of 68. Dear son of Jack Langley and the late Hazel (Madge) Flewwelling Langley. Beloved husband of over forty years to Madeleine (Dion). Son-in-law of Fred Gray. Dear brother of Eric Langley (Jeff Stickler) and Andrew Langley (Susan Pritchard). Loving uncle to Jacob Langley (Naomi Emmerson), Jackson Langley and Adrian Langley. Dearest friend and father figure to the Kotierk children; Aluki, Moshi, Puuqti, Marausi, Emily, Jessica, Beth and their families. Close and trusted friend to Félice Miranda and Elliott Gillespie, Godfather to Gillian Gillespie.

Bob’s was a familiar face in the musical scene in Ottawa. He played the tuba, the string bass, and electric bass in a variety of groups, from marching bands to dance bands.

Most recently Bob played with the Bob Misener Magnolia Rhythm Kings, the Northwest Mounted Police (RCMP) strolling Dixie Group, Dr. Jazz and many others throughout the years.

In addition, he was the heart and soul of the Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and Board Member for over 35 years. Every musician in Ottawa owes a debt of gratitude to Bob Langley because he set the standards of honesty, trust, fairness and integrity for members of Local 180.

He was straightforward and frank and succeeded in improving the Local and its service to the membership. He understood musicians and did his best to make life better for them. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of musicians’ union matters and was well-respected by colleagues in the Canadian Federation of Musicians throughout the country.

He was a quiet man who chose his words carefully, but they were always apt. His passing will leave an enormous hole in the hearts of his family, friends and fellow musicians.

Source: eNews Harp, March 2013