Mark Gordon Langston

Mark Gordon Langston, 63, passed away on June 27, 2016. Mark was a library sciences professional, passionate about history, literature and the theatre. He worked for the Denver Public Library, Tattered Cover Bookstore and early on at Walden Books in Denver. He served as president of the ""Dr. Watson's Neglected Patients"" scion society of ""The Bakers Street Irregulars,"" both Sherlock Holmes enthusiast organizations in the Denver area. Mark also participated in local theatrical productions with the St Luke's Radio Players group during the holidays for several years. Mark is preceded in death by his father, John Gordon Langston, and sister-in-law, Erica Langston. He is survived by his mother, Estelle (Jones) Langston, brothers David (Joy) Langston and Jon Peter Langston, nieces, Emily Langston of Portland, OR and Anna Langston of Brooklyn, NY and nephews, and as well by his aunt and uncle Mary Jo and Bob Tranter, their children, and a host of Langston family cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Mark's family on Thursday, July 14, 2016, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, and for a memorial service at 5:00pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80246. Mark graduated with a master's degree in library sciences from the University of Denver in 1977, and was a true scholar historian throughout his life. From childhood to his last days, he never stopped his quest for missing, interesting and accurate historical information. Whether from the pages of history and historic fiction, movies on the eras and cultures that fascinated him, the American Civil War battlefields he walked and studied, or the castles of Scotland, Mark never stopped examining history for insights he was so proud to share. If you had a piece of history to share, Mark could help you get it right. Mark had learning differences and social challenges stemming from Asperger's, which he strove to master every day. Many who knew him were never aware of his challenges, thinking of Mark only as classic gentleman and a true scholar, almost from an earlier era. Perhaps saddest of all was that Mark only shared his vast historic knowledge and keen insights with those he spoke to or wrote to personally – never moving to journalism for the public. Mark's companionship was loved by fellow workers in libraries and bookstores alike. Others from the world of books saw him as a great worker and great to be with. He had a wonderful sense of humor, always had something insightful to say and was always a gentleman. His fellows in the Sherlock Holmes clubs and societies he joined and helped lead speak of him as: ""The person who would know the answers to hard quiz questions. His observations were always so insightful as well."" ""Mark was a wonderful scholar. Welcoming to new members. His absence will leave a hole in our meetings. He was a scholar and a gentleman who will be missed."" ""A star at our Sherlock Holmes organization, Dr. Watson's Neglected Patients, Mark served as president and host for years. The guy who really knew the Holmes trivia."" ""At our monthly meetings, we all enjoyed competing with Mark, and his fellowship and friendship were a big part of what made our gatherings special. His presence will be keenly missed.""