Obituary of Francis Eugene Layes

Funeral Livestream  11am Monday December 20, 2021  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzmbEfA4To&feature=youtu.be

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Francis Eugene Layes (Monastery, NS), who passed away at home on December 15 at the age of 82 leaving to mourn family and friends. 

Born in Fairmont, he was the son of the late Daniel and Margaret (Cameron) Lays.  Francis was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and the best stepfather someone could hope for.  His best pieces of advice are ‘you learn more from listening’ and ‘it’s better to be early than late’. Francis, known to many as either 'Frank’ or ‘Francie’, worked in the forest industry for most of his adult life.  Francis was the rock of his family and was always there to lend a helping hand. 

Dad had strong faith and loved attending mass at St. Ninian’s. In his spare time, he loved to play horseshoes, washer toss, and was an avid bowler. His hands held us from the day we took our first breath, helped guide us as we took our first steps, held us close when the tears would start to fall, and were often there to comfort the hurts that didn’t always show.  He encouraged us to reach for the stars, and pushed us, though not down or in harm’s way. His hands are the reason we are who we are today. He was never one to boast or look for praise, he worked quietly for the ones he loved, his wants were few and most of the time his worries were unspoken.  He was there, a firm foundation through all our storms in life, a true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad. One of our greatest blessings, the man we called Dad. It will be our legacy to try each day to follow in your footsteps, as you have shown us and taught us many things, like what it takes to be a devoted father and loving grandfather/great grandfather.  We will always treasure what you have shown us, in life, it is less important what you are, than what you become. 

Thank you, Dad…for all your love, support, and care, for you are very special and very dear.  “To the world you are a father, to your family you are the world”. Never forget the support and love we have for you; you are one of the strongest people we know. 

We have peace in our hearts knowing Dad is reunited with his family.  May all our angels look over us, protect us, guide us, and give us signs from the other side.

Francis is survived by:  his children, Margaret (Ronald) McIsaac, Monastery, Francis (Jacqueline) Layes, Monastery, Robert Layes (Mary MacLellan), Heatherton, Shirley (Stan) Wright, Lower South River, grandchildren, Lacey Bowman, Kayla (Paul Rogers) Layes, Charley Bowman (Shawn Doyle), Kelsey (William) Bowman-White, great grandson Alexander Doyle and his loving pets Hadley, and Zeus his siblings Billy (Shirley), Melvin (Doris), Jimmy, sisters-in-law Judy Layes, Ethel (Bernard) Layes, Rose (John) Layes, Ethel (Lawrence) Layes, and brother-in-law Robert ‘Bob’ (Laura) MacLean.

Francis was predeceased by his parents Daniel & Margaret (Cameron) Lays, son-in-law Ronald James McIsaac, daughter-in-law Jacqueline (Dick) Layes, his siblings John, Lawrence, Laura MacLean, Bernard, Alex, Danny, Alec, Marilyn Wallace, Carol Wallace, brothers-in-law Leonard Wallace, Jean Wallace, sisters-in-law Cathy Layes and Shirley Layes, maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts, and uncles.

Due to current Covid-19 protocols, a private family service will be held. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.