LAYMAN, Donald James
October 4, 1923 - March 8, 2017
The well-lived life of Donald James Layman came to a peaceful end in the Veteransí Unit of Wascana Rehabilitation Hospital on March 8, 2017. Don grew up on the family farm in Riceton with his parents Billy and Lorena and siblings Eldon, Russel and Ruth. Upon completing grade 12 he began working at a bank in Regina. When WWII started he enlisted and like many land-locked, non-swimming Saskatchewan farm boys where else but the Royal Canadian Navy. After basic training in Equimalt and Winnipeg he was stationed at the naval base in Grenoch, Scotland in 1943. In Scotland he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Fernie Shankland, a lovely, intelligent lass from Paisley. Following his war service, Don resumed his career in banking in Regina, however his interest in cars led him to take a job as a traveler with Ford Motor Company where his considerable social skills were put to good use. His territory covered most of the province and he fell in love with the lake area north of Prince Albert. Consequently, he jumped at the chance to join Modern Motors, the Ford Dealership in Prince Albert as a salesman. He moved to P.A. with Margaret and infant son Bill in 1951. Daughters Barbara (1952) and Lisa (1961) completed the family portrait. He and a partner took over as owners of the dealership in 1969. Don built his own house from the ground up in the Veterans area of Prince Albert, and also established one of the early cabins at Neisí Beach, Emma Lake where they enjoyed many happy years with wonderful friends and all the beloved Layman pets. Donís love of the lake and environment led him to serve for many years as a beach rep and other committees in Lakeland. He was an active member of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Prince Albert Kinsmen club. He enjoyed many a golf game with good friends on the Emma Lake course. He and Margaret were able to enjoy summers at the lake well into their 80ís. Don and Margaret moved to Saskatoon for several years, but health concerns necessitated a move to Regina in 2010 to be closer to daughter Barb and family. Don and Margaret were among the first residents of College Park Retirement Residence. Don thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many new people there and participated in many activities with bridge, cribbage, shuffleboard, dances and pool being favourites. Following the death of his beloved Margaret in 2011, Don remained at College Park until mobility and other health problems required him to move to the Veteranís Unit of the WRC in Regina in November 2016, where he received loving care from a kind and dedicated staff. Don was predeceased by his wife Margaret; his parents Billy and Lorena Layman; brothers Eldon and Russell Layman; and sister Ruth Aitken. He is survived by his daughters Barbara (Jim) Stewart and Lisa Layman (William Holden); son Bill Layman (Lynda Holland); grandchildren Fraser and Lauren Stewart and Zane Layman. Don was successful at everything he put his mind to, particularly business, building, photography and painting. He was utterly unique and had eccentric but effective ways of doing things. Don, like most of his generation, put service to country before self-interest. We will remember him with love and laughter. A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DON will be held for family and friends at the family cottage at Emma Lake in the summer of 2017. Anyone wishing to make donations in memory of Don may do so to a charity of their choice. Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.