Obituary of Jack Layne

Jack Layne passed away on May 23, 2023, at the age of 92. Before he passed, he was able to enjoy visits with his daughters Barbara Layne and Janet Layne, son-in-law Matt Ratterman, grandchildren Kelly Ballenger (Jeremy), Mike Ratterman, and Nick Ratterman, and his great granddaughters, Layne and Harper Ballenger. Jack was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life, Margaret (Marg), in 2016. His younger brother and best friend, Jerry Layne, also preceded him in death. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and their families.

 

Jack was born in Eastonville, Colorado, and later moved to the Denver area with his family, graduating from Alameda High School in 1949. He met Marg when he was 15 and she was 14. They were both taking Spanish classes at Westwood High School and it was love at first sight. They married in July 1950.

 

Jack served in the Army from 1952-54 as Sergeant in the 3rd Division artillery unit in Korea. 

 

In 1959, Jack earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with honors from the University of Colorado. He continued to be a huge Buffs fan throughout his life. Jack’s professional career was devoted to water engineering. He started working as a professional engineer for the Denver Water Department in 1959, although he held various other jobs at Denver Water starting in 1949. By 1966 he was the Acting Chief Engineer and Chief of Operations. In 1968, Jack joined engineering firm Black & Veatch. From 1974-1977, he was the Director of Technical & Professional Activities for the American Water Works Association. In 1977, he and Marg moved to Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies where Jack was Project Manager for CH2MHill on a project to design and construct treated water facilities to serve Port of Spain. He returned to Denver Water in 1978, where he served as the Deputy Director/Director of Engineering until 1990. From 1990-91, Jack served as Executive Director of Operations/Deputy Manager. In 1992, Jack moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, to act as Project Engineer on the Sheridan Area Water Supply Project. He was happy to get out of the office and back in the field after so many years on the management side of engineering.

 

Jack was an avid runner, golfer, and fisherman. Although he had to quit running due to a knee injury in 2009, he continued playing golf into his 90’s. He and Marg moved to Green Valley, Arizona, after he retired to allow for more sunny golf days. Jack was also a car guy, who managed to swap out his cars every couple of years whether he needed to or not.

 

Jack’s family meant everything to him. He was a wonderful, devoted father who adored his daughters. He was incredibly kind and giving. And forgiving. The best gift he gave to his family was his time. He was the guy who showed up. He was a familiar sight standing on the sidelines of soccer, baseball, and lacrosse games in brutal heat or freezing cold to cheer on his grandkids, and later his great grandkids. He saw every school play that he was invited to attend, even musicals. He took roadtrips for college tours and eventual graduations. He was the problem solver of the family. Leaky faucet? Call Jack. Car sounds funny? Call Jack. Moving? Call Jack. Financial advice? Call Jack. Ringer for your foursome? Call Jack. Need to talk to someone who doesn’t judge and who will try to figure out how to help? Call Jack.

 

He will be missed.