One of the leading figures in Sydney Anglican education in the 20th century, Canon Alan Langdon, has died at the age of 87.

In 1942, he began an association with St Andrew's Cathedral school, which was to last more than 50 years. He taught french and latin at the school, before serving in the Australian Air Force. After the war he held a variety of positions in the Diocese. He was a lecturer at Moore College in the late 1940's, and later assistant minister at St Andrew's Cathedral and Canon of the Cathedral from 1965.

Canon Langdon was the Sydney Diocese Director of Education 1955 to 1977 and Executive Chairman of the Education Commission 1977 to 1989. He was also Chairman of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation.

Photo at right: Canon Langdon speaking at the opening of the SACS Archives in 2009.

He played a significant role in the development of Special Religious Education in New South Wales. After he and his wife Pamela retired to the Blue Mountains, Canon Langdon was honourary assistant minister at Lithgow and Portland and contributed to seniors ministry.

He died after being admitted to Nepean Hospital in late May with pneumonia and heart complications. There will be a memorial service at Holy Trinity, Wentworth Falls on Wednesday 8th June at 2pm. The service will be conducted by the former chaplain at St Andrew's Cathedral School, Rev Alex Abbottsmith.

Canon Langdon helped found the Cathedral School's council, and served on it for many years. He was awarded an AM in the Queen's Birthday honours list in 1990, for service to education, particularly in the field of Christian education. 

The St Andrew's Cathedral school opened the "Langdon Archive Centre" in his honour in 2009.

The CEO of Anglican Youthworks, Zac Veron, was among those to pay tribute to the late Canon Langdon.

"We have lost a great champion for the cause of religious education. His experience, passion and focus for SRE advocacy and ministry remain unsurpassed, and will be deeply missed." Mr Veron said.

Photo credit: SACS