Promoted to Glory

Arthur Langlie: former National Advisory Board member

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Arthur S. Langlie. After suffering a massive stroke early in the morning on Thursday, May 23, Art passed away the following Friday with his wife, Jane, and their three children, Karen, Emily and Art, at his side.

A 40-year Life Member of the King County Advisory Board, Art followed the footsteps of his father, three term Governor of the State of Washington, Arthur Langlie, who served on the King County and New York Advisory Boards.

Art, a highly active participant of the Board and former member of the National Advisory Board, could be found cultivating relationships with donors and establishing contact with volunteers. Art was certainly a sustainable and driving force behind what helped to bring much success to the Northwest Division’s effort in the community.

The loss of a great friend to the Army is felt throughout the Northwest Division, Western Territory and beyond as Art’s unfailing involvement gave opportunity for fellow Advisory Board members, Salvation Army officers and employees to witness individually his love for an organization that offers a reaching hand. Art never lost sight of the need for adequate facilities for Army programs and the fundraising effort behind it. Always looking toward the future and keeping focused on the Army’s mission, Art was truly a “champion of The Salvation Army” noted Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin, Northwest divisional commander. Art will be greatly missed.

Second generation Salvationist Gene Thompson was promoted to Glory on June 20, 2001 in Dayton, Ohio. He was born in Sidney, Ohio on June 25, 1938.

Gene entered the Greatheart Session at the School for Officer Training in the Bronx, New York. He was commissioned in 1960. Although he later left full-time service, this was his proudest achievement.

In 1969 he met and married Nancy, his wife of 32 years. After leaving officership, he worked in fast food management and later attended nursing school. He worked in nursing until he retired due to health issues in 1996.

During the 1980s and 90s Gene and his family lived in the West. He was a member of the Bakersfield Corps from 1987-88, the Salinas Corps from 1988-93 and the Monterey Corps from 1993-96.

Gene was a loyal soldier for 62 years, serving as bandmaster and member, Sunday school teacher, corps cadet leader, junior and senior soldier teacher, songster leader and member, Adventure Corps leader and praise and worship team member. He took part in open airs and worked on kettle campaigns and fundraising. He especially loved to sing.

A celebration of Life service was held at the Dayton Central Corps with Captain Tom Dupree officiating.

Gene is survived by his wife Nancy; children Tim, Tina and Brian; and three grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Nancy Thompson at 1924 Guenther Rd., Trotwood, OH 45427.

Bertha Adeline Gordon, 99, was promoted to Glory on May 17, 2002 in Lynden, Washington. Bertha Adeline McCalmont was born in Ireland on March 12, 1903 and relocated with her family to Scotland at an early age, where they attended the Whiteinch Corps in Glasgow. Here, she met William H.A. Gordon, just before he immigrated to Canada with a group of Salvationists. When Bill reached Woodstock, Ontario, he contacted Adeline again, with a marriage proposal.

Adeline boarded the next ship, married Bill, and spent the next 53 years with him, raising their children, Grace and Bill, Jr.

In 1959 the family moved to California, where they were faithful Salvationists of the Pasadena Corps for almost 40 years. Adeline participated in songsters and the Home League and when called upon used her considerable skills as a seamstress.

Adeline’s early dream was to be a Salvation Army officer, but at that time her small size disqualified her from entering training.

After Bill was promoted to Glory, Adeline continued her ministry of prayer and letter writing. She would devote whole days to prayer and sending messages of hope to people all over the world.

In 1997 Adeline moved to Washington with Bill, Jr. and his family. She faithfully attended the Cariboo Hill Temple Corps in Vancouver, B.C., Canada for almost three years.

A Celebration of Life service was held at the Cariboo Hill Temple Corps in Vancouver, with Captain Jamie Braund officiating.

Adeline is survived by her children Grace and Bill, Jr.; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Condolence may be sent to Bill Gordon, 274 Beard Road, Lynden, WA 98264.