Sadly Joh has passed on: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/John-Langford-obituary?pid=1000000163986967&view=guestbook

John's devotion to mathematics was intense - an amateur in the truest sense of the word: one who loved the subject and loved explaining it to others. He will be missed by many of his fellow students of geometry and numbers and more....

Rob Kusner

April 24, 2013 | Amherst, MA

John's idealism and his tirelessness will never be matched. He worked all day for peace and justice and worked half the night at UMass solving math problems. The world has lost a great, pure soul.

Cathy Etheridge

April 05, 2013 | Sunderland, MA

John was steadfast. He stood with all who opposed militarism, and for justice. He is missed at the vigil by me.

paki wieland

April 19, 2013 | Northampton, MA

He was a regular at McManus Eating Place a late nite hang out

Neil Cassidy

April 06, 2013 | Venice

AMHERST - John Sawyer Langford, 73, of Amherst passed away from cancer early in the morning of March 23 at the Hadley at Elaine Center.

John was loved and respected for his brilliant mathematical mind, his passion for classical music, and his tireless work for peace and social justice.

A constant presence at the Northampton and Amherst peace vigils, he participated in countless anti-war protests, including many acts of civil disobedience at weapons facilities. A strong advocate of the environment, John could be seen bicycling around Amherst even when it snowed. Over the years he was often heard playing Chopin or Tchaikovsky on public pianos at Tanglewood, on the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus, and more recently at the Amherst Senior Center. He sang in the bass sections of the Berkshire Choral Festival, South Hadley Chorale, and family sing-alongs (where he boomed out Woody Guthrie tunes and freedom songs).

Throughout his life and right up until a day before his death, John was always working on one or another unsolved problem in mathematics, often inclining toward creative, unorthodox solutions. At UMass he participated in graduate seminars in mathematics and offered math tutoring to undergrads. Whether discussing mathematics or politics, he was known for his clear, patient, methodical explanations.

John lived a full life packed with political camaraderie, beautiful music, mathematical collegiality, and many acts of conscience. A deeply kind, gentle, and ethical person, he made warm friends wherever he went.

He leaves behind his brothers Joe and James Langford; sisters Judy Augustson and Jean Langford; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; as well as numerous friends and comrades. He will be deeply missed.

John was buried in the South Amherst cemetery, not far from the site of the family home where he lived for many years. A celebration of his life will be held at the Friends' Meetinghouse at 43 Center St. in Northampton on Saturday, April 20 at 12:15 pm after the Northampton Peace Vigil. Bring your memories of John, and musical instruments. Donations can be made in John's name to: Amherst Community Connections, 233 N Pleasant Street, Suite 40, Amherst, MA 01002.
Published in Daily Hampshire Gazette on Apr. 2, 2013