Death notice for Alice McKinney Langford. On May 18th 2019 Alice Langford was awarded The Beacon of Light award in The Bahamas.
If there was any award appropriately named for a recipient, this was it. While this award was for Tambearly School’s commitment to football, a beacon of light is what Alice Langford was in every aspect of her life. Every minute of every day that she spent building Tambearly School into the renowned educational institution it is today was infused with her light.
Since 1985, there are many tens of thousands of students Alice Langford has touched with her magic, her enthusiasm, her drive, her love, her encouragement. They are all out there in the world today making their mark, creating their careers, raising their own children, being the best they can be because of the start that Tambearly School and Alice Langford gave to them.
Her personal connection with children of all ages was a miracle to witness. She brought out the best in all of her students. The shy ones, the forward ones, the clever ones, the quiet ones, the sporty ones, the non-academic ones. She made them into strong little people with independent minds and hearts. Also, they knew what it was like to be loved at school. Alice loved them all. Her ‘lovekins.’
Alice’s mantra of being polite and kind became the cornerstone of Tambearly School. Through all the challenges that running a school presented, since opening her school in Queen Street in 1985, Alice maintained her mantra with children, parents and teachers alike. She used her quiet voice always. That’s not to say she could not be incredibly cross! She could. But you always knew why Mrs. Langford was cross and that it was justified.
The Islands of The Bahamas have lost a truly unique educator. But the people of The Bahamas have lost a dear friend. Her close friends of whom there are so many in so many countries, have lost a wonderful listener, a trusted confidante, a true friend. Across the world today, all of the people whose lives Alice touched over so many years will shed a tear or many at the news of her death.
Yet, Alice would not want us to be sad. She would look at us with that Mrs. Langford expression, and she would say – ‘You have to carry on with the good things, you have to keep being polite and kind, you have to keep educating the children, you have to keep loving.’
We will, Alice. We will do all of this for you. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of your Tambearly students, parents, teachers and friends forever. You have gone from this world to join your beloved Terry, your beloved Kimberly, and your beloved George. Keith, his family, and the Tambearly Family will ensure your legacy continues.
Alice’s love of her family was deep, solid. After the tragic loss of her daughter Kimberly and then Terry, Keith’s bond with his Mom deepened every day. His marriage to lovely Carina and the arrival of her two grandchildren Luka and Kimberly provided her with a whole new joy which delighted her completely.
Rest in Peace, our lovely friend.
Keith has requested that in lieu of flowers please make donations to The Bahamas Humane Society or The Ranfurly Home for Children. Thank you.
