02/18/2023
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LANGHANS FUNERAL HOME
Leighton Thomas Hopkins
February 9, 2022 - February 23, 2022
Leighton Thomas Hopkins, "Strong Heart Boy", 2-week old son of Chauncey and Cassandra (Two Crow) Hopkins, of New Town, passed on home to our precious Lord on February 23, 2022, at a Bismarck hospital.
Funeral: Monday, February 28, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Parshall-Lucky Mound Veterans Memorial Hall, Parshall
Final Resting Place: Memorial Congregational Cemetery, rural Parshall
Officiants: Pastor Kevin Finley
Leighton Thomas Hopkins was born at 24 weeks, weighing 2 lbs., to Chauncey and Cassandra (Two Crow) Hopkins on February 9, 2022. What great joy Leighton brought to our family when he came into this world unexpectedly on the day of his great grandmother Vina McDonald's funeral. His birth turned our sorrow into joy. He was two weeks old when he passed on home to our precious Lord on February 23, 2022, at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck.
During those two weeks, Leighton showed us great courage and endurance. The nurses marveled at how tough he was even though he was so tiny. He was determined to stay with his family. When his parents entered his room, especially his mother, he became excited and more active. Leighton loved his mother's presence, finally opening his eyes to look around and see his parents. His mother devoted her days to her baby boy, spending time, sometimes hours at his bedside. Leighton recognized her voice. The nurses discovered that Leighton didn't care for loud noises and lights. He preferred his mother's soft voice and gentle touch.
It was the happiest day when his grandparents, Swadeau and Terry Halsey were able to meet their sunny boy and hold his hand as they prayed with him. How precious it was when he began moving around during prayer. Our brave boy had a strong heart, his heartbeat always strong and comforting to hear. His grandfather, Russell McDonald, gave him his true name, "Cante Ohitika Hoksina " in Dakota, "Macee naada iciiash" in Hidatsa which is Strong Heart Boy.
Leighton Thomas Hopkins was baptized into the Christian community by the hospital chaplain. When the doctors said the medication was no longer working, Leighton was prepared. His mother read him a bedtime story. At last, his Mom and Dad were able to hold him as he slipped away with the angels. His parents, grandparents Swadeau and Terry, Uncle Harry, and Grandpa Russell surrounded him with love as he started his journey. We hope and pray Great Grandma Vina carried him to heaven.
Big brother Chauncey Joe was so happy to hear he was getting a brother and wanted to name him "Tommy". Leighton was given the middle name Thomas for that specific purpose, so his only brother can call him Tommy.
Leighton will be forever missed by his loving family, which includes his mom, Cassandra and dad, Chauncey; sisters, Makenzie, Alyssa, Aliyah, and Aysa; and his big brother, Chauncey Joe; great-grandparents, Tony McDonald, Dinah Aceveda, and Irene Blue Horse; grandparents, Ellen Two Crow, Michael Clinchers, Antonette Swadeau and Terry Halsey, and Gladys Hopkins; aunts and uncles, Katrina Clinchers, Reuben Stands, Dale Stands Jr, Constance Tibbitts, Travis and Candi Hopkins, Anthony Hopkins, Harry Hopkins, and Palmer Hopkins; and many other relatives.
Leighton was taken to heaven by our relatives including great-grandpa, Joe Blue Horse; great-grandma, Vina McDonald; grandpas, Edward Jordan, Mike and Duane McDonald; grandma, Mary Lohnes; aunt, Nelvette Lynn McDonald; uncle, Rocky Joe Fraser; and all our relatives in the spirit world.
