Landin Morgan Deakin, 16, of Broken Bow, was called back to his heavenly home Sept. 1, 2012, following his valiant fight with illness for the past several months.
Landin loved much. In his short 16 years, he has touched the lives of countless friends, families and strangers. He was free with his hugs and never forgot to say, “I love you,” to those around him. He was a living example of Christ-like love to anyone he came in contact with through his service to others in his church, his scout troop and community. Landin was seldom seen without a smile on his face and skillfully used his quick wit to lift a friend who was down or to make sure no one took themselves too seriously, especially himself.
Landin was born on April 14, 1996, in Bountiful, Utah, and moved to Nebraska with his family when he was nine months old. He never thought of himself as anything else but a native Husker. He loved sports, especially college and professional football and always regretted that his physical limitations did not allow him to play the sport he loved so much. He also loved history and spent hours at home and at school learning of civilizations both ancient and modern. He loved to sing, and was especially fond of classic rock tunes from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. He sang in the high school choir, at home and about everywhere he could.
Landin loved the outdoors in all its glory. He took to camping from the time he was a baby. He further refined his outdoors skills through scouting, hunting and shooting sports. He was completing the final handful of requirements to receive the rank of Eagle Scout when he passed on. Landin was the Senior Patrol Leader for Broken Bow’s Troop 48. He was a leader, not only to the younger scouts in his troop, but lived his life to always be an example of the Scout Oath and Law. He loved his community and his country and had a deep respect for the sacrifice of those who blessed his life with the freedoms we enjoy. He showed this respect through countless flag ceremonies, acts of service, reverence for our country’s flag and a love and appreciation for those who serve and have served in our armed forces and those who serve in our local communities. His life’s goal was to become a law enforcement officer to continue to serve and protect those who could not protect themselves.
Landin was active in his church and was an ordained deacon and teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This service extended well beyond Sunday Services and included acts of love and charity to those in his congregation and to those of all faiths. He was a disciple of Christ and was welcomed home to his arms as one understanding His love for all.
Landin is survived by his father, Brian Edwin Deakin; and mother, Kirsten England Deakin, of Broken Bow; brother and sister, Jason Daniel and Leah Dawn Hockett Deakin, of Lincoln; sisters, Elicia Marie and Melia Ann Deakin, of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandmother, Barbara Grace Johnson England, of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandfather, Rex Thomas England and step-grandmother, Maribel Jaar England, of Draper, Utah; and dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Duane Deakin; and grandmother, Florence Darlene Roberts Deakin, of Tremonton, Utah.
While Landin will be profoundly missed by his friends, family and community, his life and influence has touched many and left eternal impressions of love and kindness written on the hearts of those who were blessed to be part of his short, but rich life.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow with President Norman Sillivan officiating. Burial will be at the Broken Bow Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today and Thursday, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Broken Bow. Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow Boy Scout Troop No. 48 and the Start Over Rover Animal Rescue in Hastings.
Govier Bros. Mortuary of Broken Bow in charge of the arrangements.