David Lee Langlois

David Lee Langlois
February 17, 1951 ~ May 23, 2017

David Lee Langlois passed away on May 23, 2017 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. David was born on February 17,1951 in Kankakee, Illinois to Bernard and Eleanore (Lindsay) Langlois. He was an only child and lived in Kankakee until he graduated from Westview High School in Kankakee Illinois. As a youth, he was an avid fisherman and decided to pursue a career in biology.
He moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University and earned his BS and MS in Fishery Biology. Dave was employed by Colorado Division of Wildlife for over 30 years, retiring in 2001. One of the accomplishments he was most proud of was a Fishing is Fun project at Chipeta Lakes. He spearheaded the project to revitalize fishing for families near Montrose.
After he retired, Dave worked as a temporary on many work trips down the Gunnison River. He was the camp cook and was excellent using a Dutch oven for a wilderness meal.
Dave loved motorcycles. He enjoyed riding and restoring them. He learned through reading books and became somewhat of an expert in old British motorcycles. He felt he was following in his father’s footsteps by striving to be the best motorcycle mechanic he could be. He loved helping others ‘keep the old bikes on the road’.
At home, he enjoyed cooking and pursued his interest in the culinary arts. Dave researched books on food chemistry and tried new recipes every chance he got. He enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends.
Dave married Cathy in 1988 and they enjoyed many years of adventure with rafting, motorcycles, golf, baseball and travel. When Dave married Cathy, he also became a father for the first time. He was a great stepfather to Cathy’s daughter Dawn and often said he started parenting with Algebra rather than changing diapers.
After Cathy retired, they traveled to Europe including England, France and Ireland. They made spring baseball in Scottsdale a priority for over 25 years. They also used Dave’s motorcycle interest as an excuse to travel to Las Vegas, Alabama and Davenport, Iowa so he could talk with other enthusiasts.
His parents, Bernard and Eleanore (Lindsay) Langlois preceded him in death. He is survived by wife Cathy of 30 years; daughter Dawn Brabenec (Jeff); aunt Diane Mathis, Bourbonnais, IL and various cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Rd, Montrose, CO 81403, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. June 24, 2017.
In his final months, Dave set up the Automotive Enthusiasts Scholarship Fund – ‘Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to keep motorcycles, cars and Bernie’s truck on the road’ in honor of his father and his own motorcycle interests. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

Montrose Community Foundation, PO Box 3020, Montrose, Colorado 81402. Or dropped at Timberline Bank. Donations should refer to the Automotive Enthusiasts Scholarship Fund.
Special thanks to Hope West Hospice, especially Holly, Amy and Vonnie, for the wonderful care they gave Dave and the family during this time. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.