It is with broken hearts that Ken's loved ones announce the sudden, unexpected and premature passing of a legend of a man.
Ken is and will be remembered as a generous, hilarious, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He was an inspiring inventor, a successful entrepreneur and a gentle genius.
Like many of the trees Ken planted and cared for, he came from very little and flourished in every way.
Kenny was born in Fairview, Alberta where he had to grow up quickly with his three loving sisters; all supporting each other after the loss of their mother at a young age.
From the age of ten, Ken was a talented farm hand. It was apparent even then as a young man he had an inquisitive mind, above average intelligence, a work ethic that astounded many and a sense of humor that could make everyone laugh.
In his early 20's, his hard work and perseverance paid off when he bought his first three quarters of land.
In 1981, a miracle occurred when Ken met his soul mate and the love of his life, Debbie Bell. His heart was complete.
After a short but fun and passionate long distant courtship, Debbie moved to Worsley to farm alongside her Ken. Living with very little, they made a home out of love, filled with joy and laughter. It didn't take long before they wed and shortly after started their family; bringing their three cherished children into the world.
Ken and Debbie then bought their oasis near Spruce View in 1987 working side by side with their 3 kids to build their dream home by their own hands.
Ken advanced quickly in the oilfield, running rigs around Alberta by his 30's, making friends and sharing his knowledge with many.
In his pursuit to be closer to his family, he then began turning his inventions into companies. With the loving support of his unwavering wife, a little elbow grease, late nights with his friends and kids, and the support of the community, Ken's inventions were a huge success. He enjoyed many years working with his son, daughter & wife.
This success and support allowed Ken to be home doing the things he loved like, quading, camping, travelling the world and taking road trips in the "Red Dragon" reaching over a million kilometers in the drivers seat. Doing anything with his family is where Ken truly found his happiness.
As his children grew into teenagers, the home they built became a safe haven for more than just his family, but for many children of the community. Many kids and adults alike learned many life lessons, shared many laughs and were guided by Ken's generous heart and brilliant mind.
In Ken's 50's he took his first stab at retirement. He travelled often with his wife always by his side, often travelling with their kids, his sister's & his cousin.
Ken's "retirement" didn't last long as he tinkered around in the shop and created yet another genius invention. With many trials and errors, a love for efficiency and a large hole in the shop ceiling, he spent many hours creating an effective wood burning generator.
When his son returned home from overseas they began a new adventure and another company based on one of Ken's ingenious inventions.
For the last decade, Ken balanced his life passions travelling with his wife, mentoring his children and working on his inventions. Ken and Debbie would cruise the highway spending quiet evenings with each other, caring for the trees and garden, joking with friends and always, always spending Christmas together as a family.
Although Ken's passing was at a devastating young age of 62, Ken's triumphs were achieved in every aspect of his life. He saw the world, he cared, he was honest, he learnt, he taught, he listened and he utilized every opportunity given to him with tenacity and drive. His inventions were brilliant, he ran companies honorably, his humor was unforgettable, his laughter was contagious and his generosity was unmatched. Most importantly, his greatest accomplishment, his number one love and priority was always his Debbie, his children & his family.
Dad will be missed every day for the rest of our lives. Not a day will go by that we wont miss his laughter, his hugs, his kisses and his hard working oil stained helping hands.
May he be in peace alongside his loving mother and father, Nellie and Edwin Layton and his in laws, Ron and Olga Bell.
He is honorably & gratefully survived by his Princess, his love, his everything Debbie Layton, his muffin Dale Layton, his Sonny Chris Layton, his wild flower child Dallas Layton, his son in-law Mr. Paul Cowan, his sister's Susan (& Ed) Zanner, Sandy Jane (& Donny) Wasylciw & Sharry Layton.
The Layton's would like to invite everyone touched by Ken's generosity, inspiring wisdom and happy happy joy joy spirt to his celebration of life Aug 26, 2021at 2pm at the Layton’s home. Everyone is welcome to arrive after 12pm.
In lieu of flowers, Ken's wishes would be that you spend time with your family, share acts of kindness with strangers, help your neighbours, and hold your children & parents a little tighter.
