Edward Langley’s funeral after Pacific Islands cruise shock death

The mystery reason a Sunshine Coast man died while on a day trip to Vanuatu during a cruise has emerged during his funeral, as his grief-stricken family outlined his loving nature and sporty life.

Edward Langley was 54 when his wife Heidi Langley said he fell to the ground clutching his chest on Tuesday in Espiritu Santo, Luganville in Vanuatu. - Photo Supplied

Family and friends have paid tribute to a fit Sunshine Coast man who had a sudden medical episode and died during a day trip to Vanuatu. 

A funeral service was held today on the Sunshine Coast for Edward Langley who died suddenly on Tuesday, September 24 while on a cruise holiday with his family.

Edward Langley, 54, and his family were exploring Vanuatu when the father-of-two experienced a medical episode and fell.

Wife Heidi Langley and their children Timmy, 17, and Marizel, 21, were struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

The family had travelled to a popular tourist spot for a swim.

Mrs Langley said the remote location meant an ambulance took about 40 minutes to arrive. Her husband was declared dead at the scene.

Mr and Mrs Langley lived at Landsborough, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with their two children.

Edward Langley. Picture – Gregson & Weight funeral directors.

Mr Langley was born in South Africa and moved to Australia more than 20 years ago. He leaves behind his father and three sisters, one his twin.

He started dating his wife in 1992 then they were married in 1997. A month later his mother died of cancer at just 57 years old.

During school he loved playing soccer and spending time crafting furniture with his father in his workshop.

At the funeral it was revealed Mr Langley died from cardiac arrest and that his autopsy revealed his heart was enlarged. With his wife saying she always knew he had “the biggest heart of all”.

“We are here to celebrate Edward’s life as he celebrated life … he always had time for fun and adventure and being outdoors made him come alive,” Mrs Langley said.

“Everything he did he did for me or for our family.

“He fought for us when things were really hard.”

This year the couple celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on March 9.

Edward Langley was 54 when his wife Heidi Langley said he fell to the ground clutching his chest on Tuesday in Espiritu Santo, Luganville in Vanuatu. Picture: Supplied

“He contributed so much at home. He did cooking, cleaning, gardening … he was always looking for ways to serve others … acts of service was his love language,” Mrs Langley said.

“He was a hardworking man who lived life to the fullest. He ran hard, cycled hard, worked hard and he loved hard.

“He was fit and disciplined. He was incredibly creative and handy and able to fix almost everything.

“He wasn’t perfect but he was pretty close to it.

“In our 32 years together he rarely spoke ill of anyone. He never harboured hatred even towards those that hurt him. He forgave easily, was patient and caring. He kept no grudges and treated everyone as a friend.

“He had an infectious smile and an incredible sense of humour … always ready to share a joke.

“He truly embodied love.”

Mrs Langley said her husband was always an involved husband and father.

“He was a family man and his family always took priority,” she said.

“It was such a shock that he died of cardiac arrest.

“He didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, he ran and was very healthy.

“He never complained about any pain it was very unexpected.”

Heidi and Marizel Langley speaking at the funeral.

The thrillseeking and joke-loving father enjoyed running, swimming, hiking, marathons, surfing, skydiving, skiing, canoeing, camping and more in his spare time.

“He loved dogs and always had dogs in his life,” Mrs Langley said.

“He always had a special bond with him. He leaves behind our dogs Abbie and Luna who he loved.”

He became a Christian when he was 20 years old and was very passionate about his faith and Christian music.

“He really had a heart of gold and he will be profoundly missed,” his wife said.

“It was a very tragic day for us … we were on a family holiday. Our last one together.

“We don’t understand why it happened this way.

“He passed away in the most beautiful place and he was an outdoors man who loved nature.”

Originally published as Edward Langley’s funeral after Pacific Islands cruise shock death