The life of Gordon L. Langerak was celebrated on April 13, 2019, by his wife. Wanda, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family shared photos, stories were told, and tears were shed.
Gordon was born in Minnesota, the oldest of four siblings, Edward Langerak, Joan (David) Allen, James (Millie) Langerak. He was a good man, a trusted friend, and a loving father and grandfather.
As a young man, he and his friend Luther, the pastor’s son, were involved in many shenanigans, including riding Cushman scooters across the northern United States. and stealing a bride before her wedding. Don’t worry, they just took her for a soda and dropped her off at her grandmother’s house.
Gordon met his wife, Wanda, and they married on Oct. 21, 1952. They had four children, Ken, Ross, Nancy and Carol. The whole family moved from Minnesota to Washington state in 1966, settling in Bellingham. Gordon opened Langerak Auto Service on State Street, later moving to Iowa Street to expand.
He was a member of the Automotive Service Council and the Lions Club. He served as a Boy Scout leader for many years, and was a strong supporter of the Whatcom County Humane Society. Many lucky pets were rescued and raised in their home.
The family enjoyed numerous trips to local camping sites, including Deception Pass State Park and Silver Lake Park.
Gordon was a licensed aircraft pilot. One special memory his children hold is the time he took them on a flight over Whatcom County.
Later in life, Gordon and Wanda enjoyed many cross-country trips on their motorcycle. Gordon was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association. Their beautiful Goldwing, with matching trailer, traveled to Calgary, Alberta, Branson, Missouri, Tucson, Arizona, and many other locations throughout the western United States.
After retirement, Gordon and Wanda moved to Winthrop to build a home near the Chewuch River and Cub Creek.
Gordon was active in the Winthrop community, serving as a park officer at Pearrygin Lake, becoming a deputy marshal, serving on the local REA, and was president of the Barn Association.
Gordon and Wanda enjoyed woodworking and painting, selling many of their works through the Winthrop Artisan’s Association. Gordon was one of the first supporters of the Winthrop Sunday market, and he truly enjoyed serving as “Santa” to the children of the community.
Gordon passed away on June 5, 2018, with his children Ken Langerak, Ross Langerak, Nancy King, and Carol (Tom) Gallaher, his grandchildren Lisa (Kerry) Davidson, Richard (Jessica) King, Stephanie (Jake) Trapp, Jennifer (Chris) Pitts, and Nick Gallaher beside him. He and Wanda truly loved and enjoyed having their grandchildren visit their home in Winthrop. He leaves behind eight great-grandchildren; Gavin, Naomi and Edwin Davidson, Breylin King, Memphis and Callister Trapp, and Blake and Brynn Pitts.
