Roger Henry Spencer Langston

Roger Henry Spencer Langston, MD of Bratenahl, age 83, passed away October 20th, 2022 after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife Jennifer and his two sons, Charles (Cathlyn) of Portland, ME and Spencer (Perrin) of Charlotte, NC. Dear grandfather to nine: Emily, Henry, Jack Langston of Charlotte;  Ryan, Wilson, Beck Langston of Portland; step grandfather to Lambeth, Strictland, Ford Gibson of Charlotte.  Also survived by his twin brother Charles S. Langston, MD (Leeanne).

The son of the late John and Audrey Langston, he was born in London, England just before the outbreak of World War II.  With bombs falling on London, their mother brought the young Langston boys across the Atlantic, and they were welcomed in Madison, Wisconsin. A few years later they returned to England to live in Northumberland, where the family rented apartments in Bamburgh Castle. This early childhood exposure to the rugged climate, hunting grounds and shores of the North Sea laid the foundation for what he loved and valued throughout his life.  In 1947 the family relocated a second time to the US when their mother took a position with the newly formed United Nations. Roger attended Great Neck High School, followed by Columbia University, and medical school at McGill University where he met his wife, Jennifer.  Roger served in the US Navy as a Medical Officer from 1966 – 1968, stationed at Paris Island, SC.  His ophthalmology education was completed following a two year fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary when he accepted a position at the Cleveland Clinic in 1974 as its first Cornea specialist. As Chairman of Ophthalmology Resident Education he was an advocate of excellence in the training of future physicians as well as in the care of his patients, many of whom became friends.  He served on the Cleveland Clinic Board of Governors and on a number of national organizations.  Roger was an avid yachtsman, introducing sailing to his young sons, racing, and making long ocean passages for pleasure and adventure with his wife, extended family and friends. Skiing, hunting and skeet shooting filled the off season with competitive sports and friendships. 

The family suggests that those who may wish to make a contribution in his name do so to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland, OH 44106  or an organization of their choice. 

Family  services are private.  Friends may call at Brown-Forward on Friday, November 4th from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.