Brian Arthur Langlois

Mr. Brian A. Langlois, 79, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025.

Born "down under" on July 13, 1945, in New Castle, Australia, Brian was the oldest of six children. At just eleven months old, he took his first major journey with his mother, Charlotte Langlois (Dunn), to join his father, Arthur Langlois, in the United States after Arthur’s return from military service. Brian grew up in Nunica, Michigan, where he shared countless adventures with his siblings and cousins—especially Bill, Donna, Jim, and Joanne—who lovingly called him “Bra.” These childhood memories became legendary stories passed down through the years.

A 1963 graduate of Coopersville High School, Brian began working at Dake Corporation at age 18, launching a welding career that would span 47 years. His work at Dake was briefly interrupted when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Knox. Though he would later say he never got to see the gold while at Fort Knox the army did send him on the second journey of his life. Brian was deployed to the Central Highlands of Vietnam in 1966–67, serving with the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry / 1st Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. His unit was later re-designated to the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry. Though entitled to wear either patch, Brian proudly kept the 25th Infantry “Tropical Lightning” on his uniform. He had many harrowing adventures while in Vietnam as a Scout that would follow him for many years after he left the service. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Ord, California, before heading back to Michigan.

Settling in Ravenna, Michigan, Brian resumed his work at Dake and soon met the love of his life, Connie Peck. They married on March 18, 1972, and spent 53 years building a life together on their cherished hobby farm, raising three children. Brian answered another call to service in 1979 when he joined the Moorland Township Fire Department. Over nearly two decades, he served his community with dedication, retiring in the mid-1990s as Deputy Fire Chief.

Brian will be deeply missed by his wife, Connie; his son, Scott (Allison); his daughter, Jamie (Travis Patterson); and his bonus daughter, Ayla Haack. He is also survived by his siblings: Philip (Violet), Johanne Langlois, Linda (John) Oakley, Paul (Linda), and Brenda Andrews; along with his grandson Keegan Johnson (Jasmine Hastings), granddaughter Brianne Reickert (Pearce), step-grandson Luke Solis, and great-grandson Ronin Johnson. Many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who shared in his formative years and adventures, also mourn his loss.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Charlotte (Dunn) Langlois; his daughter Tammy; his brother Larry; and in-laws Don and Christina Peck, Dorothy and John Ross, Dale Peck, and Danny Peck.

Visitation will be held at the Throop Funeral Home, 214 Church St, Coopersville from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Friday, May 9, 2025 and from 9:30 to 10:00 A.M on Saturday, May 10, 2025 .

A Funeral Service Celebrating Brian’s Life will be held at the Throop Funeral Home, 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 10, 2025 with Military Honors performed by the Ravenna American Legion Post 297 Honor Guard.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice for the care they gave to Brian as well as to them.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 1053 W Main St, Fremont, MI 49412, Alzheimer’s Assoc. Greater Michigan Chapter, Attention Donor Services, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601 or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Condolences for the family may be left on Brian’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com. Arrangements handled by the Throop Funeral Home in Coopersville, www.throopfh.com, ph 616-837-8161