J. Wilbert Layton

J. Wilbert Layton – 84, of Kentville, passed away Monday, October 10, 2016 in Evergreen Home for Special Care, Kentville, with his family by his side. Born in Sydney Mines, he was a son of the late J. Harold and Della (MacIntyre) Layton. He was educated in Sydney Mines and Mount Allison University, where he attained his Master of Education Degree. Wilbert's teaching career began in 1957 at Digby Regional High, where he taught Math, Latin, Geography, and Social Studies. He then accepted a position with Stewiacke School as Principal and later moved to New Ross and served as Supervisor. He was then appointed District Superintendent for the Halifax Regional School Board with thirteen schools under his jurisdiction. He accepted an offer as Supervising Principal with Weymouth Consolidated High. In 1967 he found his home, when he came to Kentville's Kings County Academy as a Jr. High Teacher and where he remained until his retirement in 1989. As well as the traditional subjects taught, he also ran the School Driver Training Program for the next 20 years and upon retirement operated Layton’s Driving School. He belonged to the York Rite Freemasons, including King's Chapter Demolay; Scotia Lodge AF & AM; Cornwallis Chapter, RAM; Adoniram Council R&SM; Mt. Zion Prec. K. T.; R. H. McNeill Conclave, R.C.C.; St. Andrews Tabernacle, K. T. P; NS York Rite College; and K Y C H. He was also a Lay Reader in St. James Anglican Church, Kentville. He is survived by daughters, Lynda (Kim) Thorsen and Carolyn (Mike) McKenna; son, David; grandchildren, Shawn (Carrie) Thorsen and Jody Thorsen; Cherlyn, Stuart (Candice) and Juanita Layton; Hayley, Carley and Paul McKenna; great granddaughter, Kaisa Thorsen; sisters, Ruth (George) Ward, Ottawa; Eileen Parrott, Quispamsis, NB; brother, Charles (Diane), Sydney Mines. He was predeceased by his wife, Lynette; a son, Thomas. His body has been donated to Dalhousie Medical Research. There will be no visitation. A combined Masonic and memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2016 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Reverend Cathy Pharo officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Brookside Cemetery, Sydney Mines. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to Carman United Church, Brookside Cemetery Fund, or the Valley Hospice Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.