It is with deep regret that we report the loss of one our Survey family members. Harry “Chas” Langelan, 72 of Mount Airy, MD died suddenly and unexpectedly on November 19, 2019. He leaves behind his wife Terry, to whom he has been married for the past 42 years, and his 3 sons Ryan, Kellen and Brady.
Chas had 43-plus years of surveying experience and retired from A. Morton Thomas in 2008, reaching Vice President by working his way through the ranks. He was instrumental in establishing their DC office which was a long-term goal of his.
Those who knew Chas know that Surveying was not a career, it was a passion for him. He was a friend to all surveyors and considered to be a “surveyor’s surveyor”. Chas served on the Boards of five professional organizations: District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors (DCALS), Surveyors Historical Society (SHS), Maryland Society of Surveyors (Carroll County Chapter President), Map Society, and Historical Society.
He was a past-president of DCALS and received the First DCALS “Lifetime Distinguished Service Award” which comes with all the privileges and considerations of an Honorary Member. He is one of two people to have served continuously on the DCALS Board of Directors since its inception. Chas was a Past-President of MSS and received its Surveyor of the Year award.
He often participated in survey reenactments and liked to wear colonial surveyor garments. Chas reset a Mason-Dixon Crown stone on the MD/PA boarder using Colonial Surveying techniques. He also found DC Boundary stone SE 8 – “spent more time with the stone than loved ones that year”.
He was known as an expert writer, and will be remembered as a National surveyor figure with superior narrator and presentation skills. Chas loved to collect old Maps, survey instruments and historical information.
He was expert mechanic, and lover of old Jeeps.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on forever. The family appreciates all your love and prayers at this most difficult and trying time.
