Delbert Langstaff

Delbert Langstaff, a longtime resident of Grand Coulee, passed away at the age of 59, on Friday, July 22, 2016, after a long battle with a rare form of cancer.

Those that knew and loved Delbert found him to be generous to a fault. He was always willing to pitch in and help others until his energy would give out. He was always giving family and friends little gifts. He also would present different ones with colorful artwork he created himself. He loved hearing and telling goofy jokes and he always had a story to tell you.

To some, Delbert may have seemed awkward and a little eccentric. That was true, to some extent. Even though he was very intelligent, he suffered from a chromosomal disorder called Klinefelter Syndrome which was not discovered until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Unfortunately, this disorder shaped most of his personality and caused him challenges throughout his life. This condition causes those affected to have very low energy, to be taller than most, and have difficulties staying interested in what he was doing because of being so tired – along with many other symptoms. He was sometimes misunderstood as being lazy and unmotivated. But now we all know what was really behind it. And we're sad we didn't know sooner.

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, Delbert believed that there will be a time in the not-too-distant future, when God's purpose for the earth will be restored and mankind will have the privilege of living in paradise conditions – where no one would say they are sick as the Bible promises in Isaiah 33:24 and even death will be no more (Revelation 21:3-4.)

Delbert is preceded in death by his wife, Becky Langstaff; father, Don Langstaff; mother, Donna Broach; brother, Dennis Langstaff; one niece, Samantha; two nephews: Carl and Christopher.

He is survived by his older brother, Dan (Michelle) Langstaff; younger brother, Darril Langstaff; nieces: Jasmine Jennings, Chalaine and Ariel Langstaff; nephews: Jeff Langstaff and D. Scott Langstaff.

We will truly miss Delbert and all of the joy he brought to our lives.

A Memorial will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Senior Center in Grand Coulee, Washington.