Ronald Smith Layton

The family of Ronald Smith Layton is sad to announce his death at age 88. Ronald was born to Golden Amos Layton and Julia Ophelia Smith Layton in Ogden, Utah in June 1937. He lived his whole life on the family farm in West Layton. From the time he was a little boy he learned farming and responsibility as he worked on the family’s land. He and his brother Dean were dependable hard workers from a very early age, but they learned to incorporate fun with hard work. Ron particularly liked his dogs that were always a part of their family. He liked hunting and fishing and finding adventure with his brother and their cousins. His mother shared that when Ron had trouble sleeping, she would find him sitting on the floor cleaning and polishing his gun. Both Ron and Dean learned to drive the farm trucks earlier than the law recommended, and they would haul loads of onions and cantaloupes at 4:00 in the morning to Salt Lake City.

His employment history is varied and interesting, and he did it all while actively farming. After attending Davis High School, he graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Botany. He then served for six years with the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was a fireman with Ogden City from 1964-1966. He was a firefighter with the Layton City Fire Department for 34 years, 17 of which he served as the Assistant Fire Chief. Ron also worked for the Davis County Health Department from 1966 until his retirement. He loved Layton City and Davis County and served on several boards and associations within his community. In 2017 he was honored by Layton City as a Hometown Hero.

Ron loved and was loved by many. His four nieces and nephews and their families were often blessed by his attention and generosity. He willingly gave the young kids tractor rides or tours of the fields on his farm. He attended concerts, sporting events and programs as they grew and contributed generously to their mission service and school endeavors. When his nieces moved back to Utah, they enjoyed meeting up with Ron several times a week for lunch dates and appointments and to enjoy some of his witty personality. This was a treasured time that will be missed. We are especially grateful to his niece Keri for her many days, nights and hours of dedication to his care for the past few years.

Ron’s many friends, human and canine, were his family. He was loyal and dedicated to those friendships. Daily meet ups for a bite to eat or bargain hunting were common activities. His Layton friendships extended to the Uintas where several of his buddies were also his neighbors. He was never alone. His canine companions enjoyed watching Fox news and the Utah Jazz by his side while sharing his ice cream or cookies.

He is survived by his brother Dean Smith Layton (JoEllen) and their children and families. Ron is also survived by his dear friend Joy Petro and her daughter, Chelsey Petro Higuera (Ray Higuera), as well as all of the Petro family who considered him as one of their own.

We would like to thank the many dedicated professionals at Fairfield Village, who cared for Ron during his final years.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held Thursday, October 23rd at 6:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2120 W. Gentile St., Layton, Utah. Please join with family and friends as we share happy memories of Ron.