Landon Curtis Banner's Obituary
On April 15, 2016 our sweet and precious angel, Landon Curtis Banner passed from the loving and adoring arms of his Papa and Grandma to the waiting arms of his Father in Heaven.
Landon was born on May 14, 2005. He came into this world quickly at just 27 weeks and weighing 1lb 4oz and due to complications from his premature birth; Landon spent much of the first five months of his life in the NICU at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. During that time Landon seemed to progress normally. However, a few weeks before he was to be released he suffered a series of seizures. Upon further testing it was found that Landon had suffered a stroke and as a result severe brain trauma with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, seizure disorder and blindness.
After several more months in the NICU Landon was sent home under the care of hospice, Doctors believing that there was nothing more that could be done for Landon other than to make him comfortable and let him pass away at home peacefully.
Landon’s paternal grandparents offered to take him into their home and care for him and provide the full-time care necessary until his passing. Landon’s parents unselfishly gave guardianship of him to his grandparents. So they took him home, made him comfortable and waited. However, a loving Father in Heaven had a greater plan for this precious boy—
From the beginning it was clear Landon possessed a strength and perseverance to live—and live he did! His nearly eleven years of life is a testament to his courage. And while he lived with severe physical challenges he taught us to understand how precious life is, that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to love, laugh and create lasting memories.
Landon loved his Grandma and Papa with all his heart. He would spend hours cuddling with his Papa and singing and reading with his precious Grandma—who devoted her life to his care. He also loved going places and just hearing the sounds of life. He loved racing around Wal-Mart in his wheelchair, going to his brother’s baseball games, playing baseball in the Miracle League, watching his two favorite teams—the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies—going for walks, hearing the birds sing, going to primary each Sunday, listening to his favorite cartoon–Wonder Pets or his favorite book–Stella Luna, attending his very special school—Kauri Sue Hamilton—and just spending time with family and friends, where he was the center of attention at every gathering.
In spite of his severe limitations, Landon loved music—it seemed to touch his spirit. His first musical love was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He would stop whatever he was doing when he heard the choir sing and each night Landon fell asleep listening to his favorite Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD…Love Is Spoken Here. Landon loved to sing in his own “special” way and while he had no ability to speak his singing was angelic to all that heard him!
Landon was a beautiful boy with a sweet, gentle soul and a smile that could melt the hearts of those around him and though he never spoke a single word, his strong spirit could always be felt.
We will miss everything about Landon - His perfect face, his bright blue eyes and his angelic presence. We will be forever grateful to a loving Father in Heaven for sending Landon to us and for the miracle that his life was. We also know that this separation is only temporary and our hearts and arms already ache for him and yearn for the day when we can embrace him again. However we have faith and trust in our loving Heavenly Fathers’ plan and find great comfort in knowing that we will see our precious Landon again—glorified, perfected and forever free of the sacred but frail body he inherited in this life.
Landon, there are no words to express how much Papa and Grandma love you. You taught us as the Savior did how to love unconditionally and to us you are already perfection. As Papa told you before you left, “Baby Boy, we will miss you every day for the rest of our lives”. I also know that your parents—Cori and Wray, Toshy, Issac, Annie, both great grandma’s and grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses and all your wonderful church and school teachers love you and miss you already.
Our Precious Landon, we are so proud of you for your courage. You accomplished all that Our Father sent you to do. Now you can rest, but please know that for Papa and Grandma, every day was Christmas—and you were our greatest gift!
A viewing will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:30-11:30 AM at the LDS River Ridge Stake Center located at 10168 South 1000 West South Jordan, UT 84095. Funeral Services will follow the viewing at the same location at 12:00 noon. Interment, South Jordan City Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Landon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Landon?
Share a story where Landon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Landon you’ll never forget.
How did Landon make you smile?
