Jeffery "Jeff" Langan

Longtime Missoula and Bozeman resident Jeffrey "Jeff" Mana Langan, age 60, departed this earth on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. He was born in Fresno, California, on Sept. 14, 1954, where he began his extraordinary walk of life with unconditional love, faith and compassion. He was the third child born of Mary Chappelle Langan-Hansen, who passed away in July 2015. Jeffrey is survived by his loving children, Thomas, Kristin and Erik, and their mother, Lori. Also surviving are his three brothers, Christopher, Mark and Colter and his mother's widower, C.W. "Wally" Hansen, who he supported, and respected energetically throughout his life.

Jeff married the love of his life, Lori Richards-Langan in 1983. Together they had three beautiful, intelligent children, whom he loved more than life itself. Jeff led an amazing life intertwined with several innovative businesses and altruistic endeavors. He enjoyed the support of many friends and colleagues during his 60 years. Jeff was beyond brilliant. In 1978, he founded and began operating the social program, Missoula's "Friends to Youth," a safeguard for at risk children underserved in the normal channels of justice. He dedicated intellect and compassion to providing financial assistance, mentoring and recreational activities for families in need, and was honored with numerous civic awards. After ten years of fine service to his community, he launched Langan Video Real Estate, a smart business that allowed buyers to preview real estate on video. In 1988 he transitioned to managing the largest Boise, Idaho, FM radio station, Rock 97. By 1990, he registered his own utility patent and became founder and CEO of Networks, Inc., a juvenile safety products manufacturing corporation, which sprouted in Boise and relocated to Missoula. Its unique safety products enhanced child safety and parent awareness, with his patented item winning the Juvenile Safety Products Manufacturing Association, Product of the Year Award. After several years, his interests returned to real estate, and housing development. In 1997, Jeff started Langan Custom Homes, a company that built attractive custom housing. Many of his renowned homes appeared in Missoula's "Parade of Homes," and he sub-divided and developed parcels in Missoula and Kalispell, including one with streets bearing the names of his beloved family.

Jeff was a go-getter. When he had an idea, it was put into action, no holds barred. Later in life, while working as a consulting contractor, he was diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Yet, he refused slow down or become hampered by the condition. In 2013, determination and conviction led him back to the University of Montana, where he earned a master's in public administration in 2015, graduating Summa Cum Laude. At the time of his demise, he was starting a Ph.D. program in political science. Jeff was active in the Missoula County Democratic Party and the Missoula County Elections Advisory Commission, while conducting a spirited stream of political discourse through social media.

Jeff loved applying creative ideas and uniquely innovative means to solve intricate problems in many areas of business and personal life.

He was known for his infectious laughter and wry humor, never failing to elicit a hearty belly laugh or a knowing smile. Jeff constantly companioned and supported his eldest son, Tom, attending every one of his high school football games, nudging him to complete his master's in public health in May 2015, and constantly dispensing indispensable fatherly advice. Tom and Jeff playfully challenged each other's intelligence and enjoyed incessant laughter together. Jeff would often call Tom for advice on nutrition and exercise, and was indisputably Tom's hero, mentor and best friend. Kristin, his "little tweety bear''and only daughter, meant the world him. Kristin and Jeff were like cross-generational twins, sharing the same laugh and mannerisms. She loved engaging in long conversations with her dad, and the two were inseparable. She was the sparkle in his eye and the light in his soul. He was her best friend, absolute guide, and the greatest man she ever knew. Kristin loved her father tremendously. Jeff's youngest son, Erik Jeffrey Langan, "the big hitter," is a spitting image of his father and inherited both his personality and hard headed stubbornness. Erik and Jeff had a love that was absolutely surreal. They spent endless hours in deep conversation about life, music, and sports. Jeff took great pride in watching Erik's sports games, never missing a single one. He was excited about Erik's prodigious musical talent and prospects for his maturing career as an entertainer. He enjoyed listening to his son's recordings daily and was one of the few people who Erik felt, truly understood him. They were, and forever will be, closer than what meets the eye. They both loved the family golden retrievers, Tika, Sierra and Sannarah. Jeffrey Langan will always be a hero, held in high esteem and always remembered in our thoughts prayers and dreams. His is a vibrant soul, inimitably spirited and insightfully illuminating. He will remain a positive, enlightening energy in our lives, continuing to shed strength and courage upon us, 'Mana' from heaven, as his middle name embodies. We shall venture forward in his path, ever coming together as one.

A memorial celebration to honor Jeffrey's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Christian Assembly Foursquare Church, located at 1001 Cleveland St., in Missoula. Please join us for prayer and to celebrate Jeffrey's life.

As Jeff had returned to student status, any gifts to defray the cost of funeral services and assist the family would be gratefully accepted by the Christian Assembly Foursquare Church in Missoula, Pastor Mike McGovern, phone 721-6884; website: 4bible.com. Please visit Jeff's Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.m.langan?fref=ts\ for other contribution options.
Read Jeffery Langan's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.