Remembering My Philatelic Friends Who Have Passed: William Langs
The world of stamp collecting is filled with fascinating characters—people whose knowledge, passion, and sometimes eccentric ways leave a lasting mark on those who know them. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of knowing some incredible philatelists, many of whom are no longer with us. Their contributions to the hobby were immense, and their absence is deeply felt.
One of the greatest experts I’ve ever met was Bill Langs. By far, he had the sharpest eye for rare stamp proofs, essays, and stamp errors. He carried a somewhat dubious reputation, not for lack of knowledge but because he was infamous for never wanting to pay his bills on time. Yet, despite that reputation, when he passed away during Covid, he made sure to settle up every outstanding debt, setting things right in the philatelic community. In the end, his vast collection brought in a seven-figure sum at Kelleher Auctions. I was honored to be a part of preparing his inventory for sale when it came up for auction.
Bill’s expertise, while respected during his lifetime, wasn’t fully appreciated until after he was gone. It was only in retrospect that many realized just how knowledgeable he truly was. I have incredibly fond memories of hanging out at his table at shows with Gary Greenberg or visiting his office where Lloyd Mackay—a race car driver turned stamp dealer—always seemed to be present. Sometimes, Lloyd would even accompany Bill when they visited Gary Posner’s office in Paramus. Unfortunately, Lloyd is also among those friends I have lost. Bill’s sharp wit and larger-than-life presence made him a fixture in the hobby, and I miss those interactions dearly.
One of the most touching aspects of Bill’s legacy is his son, Brad. As a child, Brad was often dragged to the weekly bourses, where he would seek a moment of peace by hiding under tables, watching videos, or reading a book. He was a quiet kid, often seeming nervous in the bustling stamp world. But when he found his calling in the military, he truly blossomed. Today, he is a Naval officer, and from what I hear, he’s in charge of his own ship. Seeing him grow into an incredible man is a testament to the fact that, despite Bill’s unconventional approach to life and business, he raised an amazing son.
I wasn’t in touch with Bill as often after I left the stamp bourse circuit and my time working with Gary Posner in New Jersey came to an end, but I always considered Bill a friend. His passing was a reminder of how fragile our time is and how much impact one person can have on a niche but passionate community.
There are many others I could name—friends who made the world of philately richer, more engaging, and often more unpredictable. This hobby isn’t just about stamps; it’s about the people who collect, trade, and breathe life into them. To those we’ve lost, thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the camaraderie. You are missed.
