July 13, 2020
The Nelson community has lost a gem of a man. On July 13, 2020, three weeks shy of his 70th birthday, Gil Langevin passed away after a short but furious fight with brain cancer.
He leaves behind his loving wife Ruth, 3 uniquely amazing daughters, Justine (Ruben Lorenzo), Korina and Rachel, 2 grandchildren, Mattea and Lazlo, two sisters, Paulette Saltel (Ron), Jeannine Belanger (Noel), and 4 nephews.
His legacy includes his 2 well known downtown Nelson businesses, El Taco and Red Light Ramen.
Gil was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and moved to the Kootenays in the early 70's. He went from hippy commune, to tree planter, to cabinet maker and finally found his passion as a restauranteur. Over the course of his life he opened and helped operate 5 restaurants, the first of which was Rosie's Mexican Cafe on Nelson Ave in 1993. He was a generous mentor and loved to create opportunities for young people.
His sense of humour, his infectious laugh, his positive attitude, his love of food, his high level of interest in current affairs, open mindedness, tolerance, wisdom, and the sense of well-being and confidence he inspired in all those close to him are the parts of him we will always hold in our hearts. We will miss you so much Gil...we lost you too soon.
Due to Covid protocol, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to extend their thanks for the kindness and care Gil received from Doctor Dharma McBride.
Donations in Gils memory can be made to "Save Cottonwood Lake", a cause he supported, https://savecottonwood.com/.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family's online register at www.thompsonfs.ca.