NAPA - On Oct. 30, 2009, John Harlow Langenbach, of Napa, passed away at home following an extensive argument with heart disease and cancer.

John leaves his wife of 50 years, Sharon, children Marcy (Sergio) and Brett (Anita), cherished grandchildren Pablo, Matias, Catalina, Natalia and Tina (Tom), great-grandson Anthony, siblings Jean (Jack), Jim (Jan) and Peter (Maureen), and his close friend, Richard Osterberg.

John’s first passion was teaching. With his master of arts degrees in English and physical education, John taught and coached at Silverado Middle School, Napa High School, and finished his notable career at Napa Valley College. Coach Langenbach touched the lives of his students and players, serving as a lifelong friend and mentor to many. He was proud to receive the NVC Distinguished Teacher Award in 1993.

John was also an accomplished athlete, scuba diver, fisherman, ceramist and gardener. He loved anything with feathers, fur or fins. His lifetime dedication to pigeon racing earned him first place in the National Young Bird Race in 1997.

Though he will be deeply missed, family and friends will remember John for his work ethic, determination, love of detail, crazy hats, creativity and charm.

A celebration of John’s life and faith will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Creekside Community Church, 1050 Hagen Road, Napa.

In lieu of flowers, donations for scholarships may be made to Napa Valley College Foundation, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, Napa, CA 94558 or the Creekside Community Church.

Arrangements are under the care of Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Family and friends are invited to send condolences and/or share memories online at www.rpfsc.com.Ѕ