Michael James Langston

After a gallant, ten year stand against lymphoma, Michael James Langston passed away at home, surrounded by his family, Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 at age 72. Many will remember Michael as the man who always had a book with him. He loved his home, his family, SCUBA diving, and The Law. Born in San Francisco in 1937 and raised in the Sunset District, his family moved to Burlingame, California when he was nine. He graduated from Burlingame High School, San Francisco State University, and Golden Gate School of Law. To support himself through law school, he became a professional singer. Blessed with a powerful baritone voice, no one who ever heard him sing can forget his rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Serving in the US Army, Mr. Langston was Artillery Liaison officer to the 49th Infantry Division. After passing the bar, he was named Managing Attorney at the Hartford Insurance Company in 1971. He went into private practice and had offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Rosa. He was a Judge Pro Tem in Sonoma County, co-founder of the Redwood Empire Trial Layers' Association, and conceptualized and effected a touch screen computerized law library for prisons. Elected Chairman of the North Sonoma County Republican Club two years running; member of Sonoma County Central Committee; campaign chair for Congressman Frank Riggs; delegate to Presidential Nominating Committee, Houston Texas, 1993. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jain Fairfax; a dear brother, John Belden of Folsom, CA; two step-daughters, Melissa Bindon (Mrs. Mark Bindon) of Los Altos and Jenna DeAngeles (Mrs. Joseph Abouzeid) of Los Angeles; grandchildren: Jamie, Nicholas, and Olivia; and several close-as-sibling cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom extend gratitude for the loving help the members of the community gave to Mr. Langston's family during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rose Valley Chapter of the Eastern Star, C/O 7349 Castille Ct, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 payable to Rose Valley Chapter, for their generous support of his cancer treatments, or to Sutter Hospice VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 North Dutton Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401-4606.