Lawrence (Larry) Hoytt Layton, 75, passed away on May 28, 2018 at his home in Acton, California.

Larry was born November 13, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash. He was the son of the late Hoytt Hutchinson and Flora Mary (Fisher) Layton. Larry was united in marriage to Diane (nee Marshall) March 25, 1967.

Larry is survived by his wife Diane of 51 years, his daughter Billie Jo Layton and granddaughter Alanna Layton, Acton, CA, his son Larry Jr. (Sherry), Acton CA, grandson Tyler Layton, Portland, OR and granddaughter Sarah Layton, Acton, CA along with his sister Linda Paolone (Perry), Simi Valley, CA. His brother Steve Ralph Layton (Loreen) preceded him in death.

Larry was licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States and all federal and state courts in California since 1975 and in Arizona since 1982. He has had a long and distinguished legal career as an attorney, judge pro tem, law school professor and the proud owner of the Larry H. Layton School of Law.

Larry served numerous local Acton committees and the Acton Town Council. He served over 11 years on the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District governing board of trustees, holding various titles and most recently the position of Vice President. He was an icon to the community and was instrumental in getting the bond passed for the building of the high school.

Larry's second love was acting. He was a member of SAG and AFTRA. He acted in many local community theaters performing in various plays such as Miracle on 34th St., Fiddler on the Roof, Annie Get Your Gun and others.

Larry had a great love for baseball and a was lifelong Dodgers fan.

Services will be held 10:00 AM, June 4, 2018 at Utter McKinley Funeral Home, 11071 Columbus Avenue, Mission Hills, CA. Pastor Corey Lovers of River of Life Acton Foursquare Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA.

Reception immediately following at Layton Ranch, 2665 Sache St, Acton, CA.

Lawrence M. King, superintendent of the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District, issued the following statement on Layton's passing:

Mr. Larry H. Layton had served on the Acton Agua Dulce USD Board of Trustees for over 10 years. His commitment and dedication to our students and community were of his highest priority.

As many of you know, I've only been the Superintendent here in AADUSD for just under a year. There is a special relationship that occurs between the Superintendent and the Board members who hire you. It is typically a rigorous process for Board members as well as the applicants. Once hired, board members develop a unique relationship with the Superintendent. I have a very special relationship with our Board and I feel blessed to work at the pleasure of the Board.

I grew to know and become familiar with Larry in a very short period of time. Larry spoke fondly of his family. He told me many stories of his children and grandchildren. He was a family man more than anything else. I will greatly miss his stories, his knowledge on so many topics, and his kindness towards me.

Larry Layton loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mr. Layton also loved music, serving the public, and preparing for Board meetings. He read all of his materials in preparation for each Board meeting and contacted me for any points of clarification. Before each Board meeting, Larry would fill me in on the status of the Dodgers. He told me stories about listening to the Dodger games on his AM radio from over 50 years ago. He took me to 3 baseball games this year and it was truly a treat. Larry proudly walked me around the stadium to show me the different views of the field and the ball pen where the pitchers warmed up, eventually leading me to his coveted season ticket seats. The ushers knew Larry as did many Dodger fans. It was like walking with a celebrity.

About two months ago during a Board meeting, Larry made a very insightful comment. After observing one of our Stay Gold videos that captures students thoughts on overcoming personal adversity or academic triumphs, Larry stated the following (I'm paraphrasing): "... a Stay Gold moment only occurs after one reflects upon the past..." You may be going through something difficult or challenging and at the moment you don't realize the importance of the challenge. But sometime in the future you may recall the scenario or event as a Stay Gold moment. I'm sure Larry phrased it much more eloquently, but the essence of his point was well received by his colleagues and staff.

On behalf of Board President, Ed Porter, and our Trustees, it is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Larry Layton. He will be greatly missed.

Lawrence M. King

Superintendent, Acton-Agua Dulce USD

Layton's family also posted a tribute on his Facebook page:

"It is with a heavy heart that I must share the sad news of the passing of a great man. Lawrence Hoyt Layton is no longer with us after experiencing heart failure last night. Services will be announced at a later date. Rest in peace, Larry and know your family and friends love you and will greatly miss you."