Kerry Clarence Burton Langille, 46, of Three Brooks, Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
On Monday, November 16, 2009, a treasured son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully, on the Sunrise Trail, en route home from hospital. Kerry recently had a short stay in hospital, and it was his final wish to go home to complete his life's journey. In May 2007, Kerry was diagnosed with ALS, and died from complications of his illness.
Kerry was born June 14, 1963 in Pictou. At the age of 16, Kerry moved to Calgary, Alberta and worked at various jobs, though mostly construction. Returning home in 1984, he worked at his father's Esso Service Station. Over the years Kerry was employed in auto sales, construction, the oil industry, but he was happiest when fishing on the Northumberland Strait. Kerry had just completed a heavy equipment training course prior to his diagnosis.
Kerry lived courageously with ALS since his diagnosis, without regret or self pity. Maintaining a positive attitude, Kerry was able to stay in the home that he loved, due to the tremendous support of his friends, the ALS Society of Nova Scotia, the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, and VON Homecare.
Kerry enjoyed simple pleasures, like a hockey game on TV (a Habs fan), watching the birds, and entertaining the steady stream of friends who were always welcomed at his door. He loved a good challenge, and few who sat down to an innocent game of chess or Risk with him would walk away unscathed. Kerry loved to talk, and was a great storyteller. He was very charismatic, and though he loved the women, Kerry remained a bachelor. While living with ALS, Kerry especially looked forward to poker nights at his house. Despite his illness, Kerry continued to pursue his interests in horticulture. Kerry's sharp wit, and dark humour was both appreciated and endured by those who knew him.
Kerry, his family's only boy, was loved, and will be missed by his mother, Viola (Madore) Langille, Pictou, Nova Scotia; sisters: Arlene Madore, Truro, Nova Scotia; Tanya Langille, Calgary, Alberta; Trudi (Brian) Rodger, Glen Haven, Nova Scotia; Karla (Cecil) McAloney, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; Korinne (Allan) Elliott, Scotsburn, Nova Scotia; the nieces and nephews who affectionately called Kerry "Uncle Dewy," are Taggart, Tyler, Adam, Cody, Sarah, Heather, Malcolm, Charlotte; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and a wealth of friends.
Kerry was predeceased by his father Charles Burton Langille, on November 18, 2006.
Cremation has been entrusted to McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Kerry's family will receive visitors at his home in Three Brooks on Thursday, November 19 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. from Pictou United Church, with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. Reception immediately following the church service at Caribou Fire Hall.
Family flowers only please. Donations in Kerry's memory may be made to the ALS Society of Nova Scotia, Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.
Kerry's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to his many health care providers; Dr. Randy Burrill, Dr. Gerry Farrell, Margaret Higgins, Rhonda Langille, Claire Munroe, Linda O'Brien, Rudy Michels, the terrific women at VON Homecare, ALS Society of Nova Scotia, Dr. Ian Grant, paramedics and Aberdeen Emergency Department Staff, Dr. Dion Steer and the wonderful nurses and staff on the 4th floor of the Aberdeen Hospital. Kerry's family is also very appreciative of his friends, neighbours, and extended family whose contributions helped to ensure Kerry's comfort.
Kerry lived a full life in a short time; he did things "his way."