Landon Guglielmana, of Madera, California packed more living into 18 years than some people will in a lifetime. On the way back to Limestone College from Thanksgiving break, the freshman’s car ran off the road. His life ended.

His legacy did not. “Landon was the type of person, even if you only met him for a minute, you’d love him forever, and always remember him.” Courtney Taotoai , friends with Landon at Limestone, says if there was music playing, Landon was dancing. She remembers that he was always happy, always smiling. Landon told her he missed home, but had found his Christian family through FCA.

“Everybody knew where he stood and how strong his faith was. He liked being at Limestone because nobody would criticize him for being a Christian. He loved being here and being a part of FCA; he really felt like this was the reason why he was in SC.”

Landon served his new community through Meals on Wheels, encouraged everyone he met, and was often seen reading his Bible on campus. Friends say he simply lived out Jesus. Seeing Landon’s contagious spirit was always a joy to SC FCA staffer Pierre Salmon, who was Landon’s volleyball chaplain. “Landon was the big kid, like the little kid from the movie Pay It Forward. He came into every situation doing for others what they could not do for themselves. Bringing laughter, excitement, he was just life.”

Landon served his new community through Meals on Wheels, encouraged everyone he met, and was often seen reading his Bible on campus. Friends say he simply lived out Jesus. Seeing Landon’s contagious spirit was always a joy to SC FCA staffer Pierre Salmon, who was Landon’s volleyball chaplain. “Landon was the big kid, like the little kid from the movie Pay It Forward. He came into every situation doing for others what they could not do for themselves. Bringing laughter, excitement, he was just life.”

Coached by his father, Landon embodied everything FCA stands for, giving his all on and off the court. He never got to play his first match for Limestone’s inaugural men’s volleyball team. But Salmon says the 18-year-old will forever be the 7th man on the team, always on the court in spirit. His give-it-all, live excellently attitude has forever changed the college campus. “Every night between the hours of 9pm and 10pm, students are meeting in his room and praying. So what has come out of his life are many Bible studies that will begin in January, students ministering to each other, wanting to do more, wanting to carry out his legacy.”

His legacy? Live Loud Like Landon!

A brief article from the Gaffney Ledger.

The Madera community is mourning the loss of Landon Guglielmana, who died suddenly in an early morning auto accident on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in South Carolina at the young age of 18. He was returning from the Thanksgiving holiday to Limestone College, where he was a member of Limestone’s inaugural men’s volleyball team. Landon was in his first year of college at Limestone, after graduating from Madera South High School in 2009.

While at Madera South, Landon played on the boy’s volleyball team, where he was the school’s career leader in digs, aces and kills. He wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a high school volleyball coach, and planned on becoming a high school math teacher. He also played football, basketball, wrestled, and was involved in Leadership. He had a great sense of humor, played video games, kept a fun Facebook presence and was a recognized and well loved leader in every phase of his life. He was the first to ever receive a diploma from Madera South’s inaugural graduating class of 2009 while finishing second in his class, Cum Laude. He has now graduated to his eternal reward where he has finished his life’s race early. He will be greatly missed by all, but his loving memory will never be forgotten. For the Christian, this is not a permanent goodbye but a “See you soon,” because of the hope in Christ Jesus. Landon loved and enjoyed life to the fullest, loved his friends, his family, and especially his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He sought to place Christ first in all his life’s decisions. At Limestone, he was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Christian Education and Leadership Program. He was a beacon of light at the college, always willing to share his faith with fellow classmates and teammates. He excelled in every sport he played while living the Christian competitor’s creed which declares in part, “I am a Christian first and last… and as a Christian competitor I face my challenger with the face of Christ.” All who know him recognized that his face reflected the joy of Jesus constantly. More importantly his character and integrity demonstrated that Jesus was the one he sought to glorify and emulate.

Landon was the best big brother to his siblings, the pride and joy of his parents and family, and a devoted member of Biola Congregational Church. He would want more than anything for those who knew him to give their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior so that all would be reassured of a reunion in heaven where Jesus has welcomed him to his eternal home.