Obituary

Dylan Meklin, obituary

Fri, 10/16/2015 - 1:30pm

ROCKLAND - Dylan Oke Meklin, 23, of Rockland, was lost at sea on Oct. 1, 2015, aboard the SS El Faro, off Crooked Islands, Bahamas, in Hurricane Joaquin. Dylan was born in Rockport on Feb. 8, 1992, the son of Karl and Elaine Jordan Meklin.

Dylan graduated from Rockland District High in the class of 2010. Dylan was a three-sport standout athlete in high school. Through his love of playing sports, he was able to connect with and influence those who enjoyed both watching him and playing alongside him. In 2009 Dylan was inducted into the National Honor Society and was a finalist for the Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to being a leader, he was a great teammate and valued friend.

In 2015 Dylan graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Systems Engineering and obtained his unlimited U.S. Coast Guard license. Dylan had a passion for travel and MMA allowed him to see and experience many places. Throughout his five years at MMA, he was able to visit Malta, Italy, Ireland, Dubai and Germany, to name a few.

Also while at MMA, Dylan acquired a diverse brotherhood of roommates, classmates and best friends, all of whom he would do anything for. He had a carefree spirit and infectious sense of humor that brightened the days of others and also possessed a keen intellect and quick wit. He enjoyed weekends, sleeping in, playing on his phone, participating in fantasy leagues and socializing. In recent years, he developed a fondness for cooking and also prided himself in growing and maintaining a signature red beard.

Music played a huge role in Dylan's life, with many genres. He often attended concerts with his girlfriend, Jordan, and was continuously introducing others to songs and albums. He also loved watching movies and series with loved ones. He was an avid New England sports fan and attended many games with his father and brother, Sam.

He recently joined the American Maritime Officers Union and began his first job as a third assistant engineer with Tote Services. Prior to this he completed an internship with Alion Science and Technology Corporation.

He is survived by his parents, Karl and Elaine Meklin; his brother, Samuel Meklin; his grandparents, Oke and Susan Meklin; and his soulmate, Jordan Dehlinger. He is also survived by his extended family of the Dehlingers as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dylan was predeceased by his grandmothers, Harriett Jordan and Margaret Meklin; and his grandfather, Loren Jordan.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. While flowers are welcome, memorial donations may be made to the Dylan Meklin Memorial Fund, c/o James Brannan, P.O. Box 1021, Rockland, ME 04841.

Dylan's family is being assisted by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.