Theo (Fred) Langabeer 

My whole family was blessed to have known and loved Fred. 

I don’t remember Fred coming into my young life: Fred was always there.  There, just when you needed him, there, just when you did not expect him.

In the spring of 1959, my father, Harry Orchard, was fortunate enough to secure a council house for his young wife, June, three daughters, Christine, Dorothy, myself and his newborn son, John.  Even more fortunate, is to have moved directly across the street from Mrs. Langabeer and her three sons.

I was not yet three years old but remember Mrs. Langabeer sitting by the fire in our kitchen, enjoying a cup of tea with my mother. The newspaper opened to horse racing on her knee, one can imagine Fred and his mum having many an interesting wager.  Mrs. Langabeer would coo over the baby and talk all kind of grown-up things with me.

My sisters and I would go to Sunday school at St. Paul’s church where both Mrs. Langabeer and Fred were involved. 

As my father was working two to three jobs to meets the demands of the family, Fred would often be found at our house helping my mother keep peace!  Fred had the true patience of a saint when it came to children: we would climb on him, colour a beard on his face or paint his fingernails: he smiled through the whole ordeal.  When mum had a crisis with one us, Fred would volunteer to watch the others.

Vincent recently got it spot on: even when sorely provoked, Fred always responded with kindness and patience, firm, when warranted, but never angry.

Fred took to mentoring us one on one.  As each of us started having other interests, he would gracefully move on to the next. Taking us on trips to town for treats at Lyons restaurant, or a trip to the seaside, always a fun adventure with Fred.

In the meantime, our family had grown with the birth of Andrew in 1962 and Vincent in 1966: Fred happily embraced the role of God Father to both boys, and when it was their turn, Fred would be the first to admit he rather indulged them.

As our friendship grew, Fred and I would meet to take in the new James Bond film, or perhaps a drink at the Clarence Hotel.  After moving to London for work, Fred would often visit on my day off, travelling up by train.  On occasion bringing my mother and a God son with him.  We would have tea at Harrods or visit some memorial.

Fred was naturally a part of our intimate Wedding Party when I married George, an American citizen, and subsequently moved to the United States in 1988.

In September 1993, we were delighted that Fred had an opportunity to travel with some church members and planned to stay with us in Michigan.  The weather was perfect and we were able to take Fred to many of our favourite spots.  On Sunday we introduced Fred to our local church, the Kirk-in-the Hills, where we are members.  Evenings were spent enjoying barbeques on our deck overlooking the lake, reminiscing and entertaining each other with long ago tales.  We even coaxed Fred into a pair of shorts and took him out for a day of fishing in our run-about boat.  My American family joined us for an early birthday celebration for Fred’s sixtieth birthday, it was great fun!   

Last September Dorothy and Vincent arranged a 90th birthday celebration for Fred.  By all reports and photographs, Fred was on fine form that day!

Just a few weeks ago, Fred and I were chatting and laughing about some of our adventures: 

On Christmas Eve 1965, when my mother was very pregnant with Vincent, Fred and I, at age 9, were tasked to do the Christmas food shopping for the family.  We were so loaded up with shopping bags that one of the six loaves of bread fell and shattered open in the middle of High Street.  It was rather a disaster at the time.

Fred’s favourite: The year we attended the University of Exeter Carol Service.  The next day everyone at work was teasing Fred, saying, “We didn’t know you had got married, Fred!”

Fred was still embracing life to the fullest and talked with great enthusiasm about his latest ministry of intercession. 

Now, my dear friend, you are enjoying a well-deserved rest. 

There must be too many people to count, like me, that thank you for the impact you had on their lives.

Until we meet again…

Marilyn Hornick
(nee Orchard)