"Will Be Missed"
ST. GEORGE/KAYSVILLE -<! >
Layton Patterson Ott passed gently into the loving care of his Heavenly Father Saturday, January 24, 2004 while holding the hand of his eternal companion and surrounded by all of his seven children.
He was born September 5, 1930 in West Point, Utah to Jenis Layton Ott and Bessie Ruby Patterson Ott. The first 12 years of his life he spent alternatively living in Garfield and Davis Counties before finally settling in Tropic, Utah. Although Tropic would only be his home for the next six years, he never forgot his humble roots and it helped shape the man he would become.
Between 1950 and 1952, Layton served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. While serving in Arkansas, he taught the Gospel to, and later baptized, a beautiful young woman from West Helena, Betty Jean Byrd. Following his mission, Layton and Betty were married June 30, 1952 in the Logan Temple. Their story is one of eternal love that will survive this lifetime.
Layton served two years in the U.S. Army before com-pleting a degree in Account-ing from the University of Utah followed by an MBA from UCLA. At that time he intended to make teaching his career. Although varied business interests took him elsewhere, he always loved teaching and was widely regarded as an outstanding teacher. As an accounting professor at the University of Utah, he was recognized by the students as one of six outstanding educators at the University. Even more extensive than his academic teachings was his gospel teaching having many years of experience in various church callings.
For many years, Layton taught at the University of Utah while following a parallel career in business. He achieved many successes while also learning from his failures. In 1969 he was named the Outstanding Businessman of the Year for the State of Utah by the Small Business Administration. His greatest business successes came in real estate development including several shopping centers in Northern Utah and extensive residential property development in Southern Utah.
Layton's outstanding business abilities placed him in a position to generously help many individuals and organizations. He was a substantial supporter of Weber State University where the planetarium is named in his honor. He has also supported Dixie State College and individuals too numerous to count. The Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS Church is also a cause he strongly believed in and supported. Most of his generosity was shared quietly and without fanfare. Knowing that he had helped someone in need was a great joy.
Layton had a great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has imparted this to his family and shared it with many others in a wide variety of callings including bishoprics, high councils, and especially as a teacher. One calling that brought particular joy was serving in the Baptistry in the St. George Temple with his lovely wife. Always looking for teaching opportunities, he loved sharing his testimony with youth groups performing baptisms.
While accomplishing great things in both career and church service, he never lost sight of his most important service - being a wonderful husband and father. His life was an example of love and devotion to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He consistently taught by word and example the meaning of unconditional love and the importance of family unity. As his family gathered around him last Christmas season, he taught that what matters most is not who gets to the top of the mountain most quickly, but rather who helps the most people get to the top of the mountain. To this his life was devoted.
Layton is survived by his wife, Betty; and their seven children, Debra Kaye Blade (David), Stephen Layton Ott (Jan), Lorie Roe (John), Vickie Lynn Schwurack (Detlef), Corinne Jensen (Paul), Patricia Godfrey (Darren), and Norma Jean Meyers (Daniel). Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, Tina Underwood (Steven), Dustin Rich (Elizabeth), Nathan Blade, David Ott (Katie), Daniel Ott, Melanie Ott, Kimberly Ott, Ryan Done, Heather Done, Natalie Done, Heidi Schwurack, Christina Jensen, Melissa Jensen, Lisa Jensen, Thomas Jensen, Jessica Godfrey, Joshua Godfrey, Jacob Godfrey, Justin Godfrey; eight great-grand-children; his brother, Jim; and his sister, Rosalyn. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson, Michael P. Ott.
In St. George, Utah, a viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. Saint George Blvd. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at the Green Valley 14th Ward chapel located at 100 North Valley View Drive with a viewing held at the chapel from 9:45-10:45 a.m. There will also be a viewing in Layton, Utah from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2004 at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd, Layton, Utah. A second funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2004 at the Canyon Woods Ward chapel located at 1085 North 50 East, Kaysville, Utah with a viewing held at the chapel from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.
If you wish, please consider a contribution to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in lieu of flowers.
e-mail condolences to the family at llm@lindquistmortuary.com