Stephen Landon

April 24, 1961 - July 8, 2012
University of Michigan - Flint Associate Professor Stephen Douglas Landon, passed away in Rapid City, South Dakota. Stephen was in South Dakota as part of the Black Hills Playhouse production of the Drowsy Chaperone. Stephen is the second son of Richard Craig Landon and Anna Adams. Stephen's education took him from Charlevoix High School, as a graduate of the Class of 1979, to Ball State University, Lawrence Technology University, ultimately receiving his Masters of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from Wayne State University.
Stephen wore many hats in his lifetime. Owning a hair salon, creating productions for flag and rifle corps throughout the Midwest and Rocky Mountains as well as living and studying abroad in the United Kingdom and Germany were just a few of his accomplishments. Not only was Stephen a life-long learner, he was a life-long teacher. This began at Charlevoix High School where he was the Drum Major his junior and senior years. Additionally, Stephen took on similar roles as a young adult with marching bands in Indiana and, Colorado, as well the Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp.
To family and friends, as well as students and colleagues, Stephen was gracious, quiet, thoughtful, talented, and simply, brilliant. Whether giving someone a haircut, creating a gift of stained glass, designing the scene for the latest play or creating a piece of art with beach glass and Petoskey stones, Stephen gave his all to the task in front of him. When you were with Stephen, you knew you had his full, undivided attention; this was his most precious gift of all.
As an Associate Professor with the University of Michigan - Flint, Stephen was instrumental in many changes on campus and in the community including freshman orientation courses, a community bicycle ride and remodeling of the campus auditorium. His roots in the Flint area run deep and Stephen was always excited to share his latest discovery. He loved the potential he saw in Flint, and like many of his more memorable pieces of art, Stephen was determined that everyone see the beauty he did in Flint. Stephen was a full-tenured Professor and was slated to be the next Department Chair.
Stephen was preceded in death by his father Richard Craig, and brother Richard Andrew, grandparents Burney and Ellen Landon, Everett Adams and Florence Levon Koenig. Stephen is survived by his mother, Anna Austin (Adams) and step-father William Austin, brothers, Jeffery Scott, James Burney and wife Theresa, and Matthew John, niece Brittany Nicole, and nephews Andrew Thomas and Tanner Ian. Additionally many aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of his family are mourning this loss.
A celebration honoring Stephen's life will be held on Sunday, July 22nd from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Ellsworth Community Park | Lake Street | Ellsworth, MI 49729

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a gift be made to the Black Hills Playhouse, in Stephen's memory:
Black Hills Playhouse | PO Box 2513 | Rapid City, SD 57709

Condolences can be addressed to:
The Austins | 7755 Pleasant Hill Road | Ellsworth, MI 49729