John David Langston

John David Langston passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Victoria, BC, at the age of 83. Born in Teulon, Manitoba, John lived a full and adventurous life, marked by a deep love of nature, family, art, and the land.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Caroline Langston; his sister, Pat Jeffery; his children, Arne Langston and Corrinne Langston; his son-in-law, Danny Wohlford; his grandchildren, Anna, Olivia, and Jocelyn; and his great-granddaughter, Everly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Margot (Nordin) Langston, and his brother, Larry Langston.

John will be remembered for his tremendous sense of humour — both clever and impish. If you blinked, you might miss it — a perfectly timed aside, quietly delivered but razor-sharp. It was his way of keeping those around him smiling, surprised, and just a little more alive.

A deeply artistic soul, John was an accomplished oil painter of landscapes and portraits, capturing the beauty and nuance of the people and places he loved. He had a keen eye for antiques and took great pleasure in collecting pieces that held stories of the past.

He cherished quiet evenings spent with a good book and jazz from his favourite radio station playing in the background. He was an engaged community member who regularly contributed to local initiatives and held memberships in several civic organizations, including Rotary International and the Kinsmen, where he supported charitable projects and outreach efforts.

His life was rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and a quiet reverence for the wilderness. He found joy in fly-fishing the hidden mountain lakes of the East Kootenays, casting for salmon in the rivers of Haida Gwaii, and exploring the backwoods with a spirit of discovery that defined him. He designed and built orchards in both the Shuswap and the Gulf Islands — demonstrating remarkable skill in pruning and maintaining fruit trees. His patient care resulted in bountiful harvests and flourishing groves, a living legacy of cultivation and vision.

Perhaps most meaningfully, John — together with Caroline, his lifelong partner in every sense — dedicated himself to restoring his family’s historic Swedish homestead. With care, vision, and years of shared effort, they brought the original home, barn, outbuildings, and farmland back to their early 1900s character, preserving a piece of living history. Their passion for restoration extended to a 1912 Craftsman house in Victoria, which they lovingly renovated and brought back to its original glory. This home became their final project and most cherished residence — a testament to their shared dedication, craftsmanship, and love.

John’s presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.