Leelan Axel Lokie passed away Feb. 4, 2026. He was born July 18, 2018.
From Mommy: Leelan Axel Lokie was seven years old, and in those seven years he lived with a fullness and intensity that many never reach in a lifetime. Leelan was a second grader, a devoted friend, a constant motion machine and a child whose joy radiated everywhere he went. From the moment he woke up each morning, he made every day his best one. He played hard, loved harder and met the world at full volume. Loud, endlessly talkative and always moving, Leelan carried an innocent, fearless joy that could not be contained.
More than anything, Leelan loved his friends. He loved being with them, laughing with them, talking to them and sharing every moment he could. His heart was wide open, and he loved fiercely and without hesitation. Wherever he went, he brought light, energy, and a sense that something fun was about to happen. At home, Leelan’s favorite word was “mama” — spoken at least 7,000 times a day, each one a reminder of the deep bond he shared with his mother. He looked up to his big brothers like they were superheroes, even when he didn’t always show it. They were his world, his role models, his people. His love for them ran deep and steady.
Leelan was never still. Playing hard every day was his thing. He filled spaces with sound, stories, questions and excitement. At the same time, he had a tender side — he loved soft, cozy things and the comfort of warmth and closeness. That balance of wild energy and gentle sweetness was pure Leelan.
Leelan passed, tragically, on Feb. 4, 2026. Though his life was heartbreakingly short, the impact he made was immense. He leaves behind a family forever changed by his absence and forever grateful for the seven years they were given to love him. Leelan will be remembered for his boundless energy, his fierce love, his constant chatter, his joy and the way he made every ordinary day feel big and important. The world is quieter without him — but brighter for having known him. He was deeply loved. He will always be. Your mommy and dad will miss you so much, forever.
From Dad: Leelan Axel Lokie (Little Bird) among infinite other things is a child of the stars, a rider of the winds, a dancer to the music of life. He came into the world to gift us with play, laughter, creativity, curiosity, imagination, wonder and unapologetic silliness. He gifted himself with comfortably being whoever he desired to be in any given moment. He walked his path according to his pace and honored the unique rhythms of his own heart. He embodied joyful awareness of why he was here without the distractions of needing to think about it, understand it, prove it or have it validated. He had a beautiful way of observing and learning about life as he interacted with it authentically. He held that special kind of magic that had no concern about the past or future, but lived in the wonder of each moment. He enjoyed everything, including playing instruments, silly wrestling and adventures with his brothers, being sweet and goofy with his sister and pajama parties all day. He was loved by all, and his wild, free, sweet spirit will resonate through the hearts of everyone that ever met him.
Leelan is survived by his loving parents Kirky Swift and Ben (Tosha Carter) Lokie; his siblings Isaiah Lokie, Uriah Lokie, Raedan Murphy, Miliya Lokie; his grandparents Judy and Eric Olsen, Carla (Kenneth) Burke and Greg Lokie, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Our family invites you to Leelan’s Pajama Party to honor his life. It will be held at Western’s Taylor Auditorium on Feb. 14, 2026 at 4 p.m. We ask you to come wearing your favorite pajamas and bring your best memories of sweet Leelan.
