Obituary of Layton Herbert LYNCH

Layton Herbert LYNCH January 14, 1953 - July 31, 2020 Order of Graveside Service held Tuesday, August 4, 2020, Brampton Cemetery Reflection - By Rev. Walback On a magnetic strip beside my desk I pin up notes with sayings, bits of wisdom pieces or spiritual thoughts that I often turn to. One that keeps me grounded goes something like this “we all come into this world to give certain gifts, if we don’t give them who will.” Talents or gifts are part of what makes each of us who we are. The one who brings us into being weaves into us talents in anticipation of what we in turn might bring into the world. Our gifts provide opportunities for sharing with others, chances to provide moments of relationship building with one of mutual likes. When speaking with Amanda I asked many questions about Layton because I had never met him and I wanted to learn what he enjoyed, what gifts he brought into this world. The offerings we each bring ae so different and are to be honoured as our own uniqueness, our own authenticity. Part of that honouring is sharing. One of the things I learned about Layton was that he was an outdoorsman preferring to spend his time in creation perhaps with a fishing rod in his hand or hunting equipment. Layton having been born and raised in Trout River on the west coast of Newfoundland was gifted with the spirit of the island, the love of the land and water. Layton lived what he loved; the world of the outdoors was where he felt at home, where he was most comfortable and where he could share his gifts being the ultimate teacher of all things angling and hunting. And that’s what we are called into being to do, to share whatever talents we have that others might learn from us and we from them. My understanding is that he was a kind man so I can only see him as appreciating his catches of fish or game and respecting those he let loose back into the waters or brought to the dinner table. The word welcoming was used to add to Layton’s character. It’s one of the kindest descriptive words we can give to folks for in offering hospitality, we say welcome into my life. Layton seems to have set boundaries on his time with others in preference to enjoying his own company. Family excepted of course. To the grandkids he adored he was Poppabear, and I smile to think that he and his family delighted in such a fun way of addressing him. To family members I urge you to tell his stories for you are the keeper of his memories and that’s your gift for sharing. In this time of pandemic we are restricted in the number of folks permitted to attend today . If not for the guidelines that we must adhere to I was told we could have easily had 200 folks here to bid Layton fare thee well. That says so much about how he was respected in his community, about how he touched folks hearts. There is death in the world robbing us of the ones we love and one day robbing loved ones of our presence. But we are assured that though death may take Layton from your future, nothing can remove him from your past, that all the things he was loved for have entered so deeply into your souls that they remain a part of you, a part of who you are today. Our creator calls us into being and encourages us to build lasting relationships with those who journey through life with us. That journey doesn’t end when we shed our early bodies rather it continues on in the realms of paradise that God has prepared for us. We may not have the form that we had on earth but we will recognize our nearest and dearest ones who have gone on before us. We are each connected heart to heart, soul to soul. I understand that Layton was not what we called a religious person. Given his love of the outdoors it’s a sure bet that Layton drew his strength of soul from being in nature. And bidden or unbidden his Creator travelled alongside him during his earthly journey knowing the cares of Layton’s heart even more then he himself did. For the gifts that Layton brought to this world, for his sharing of his love of fishing and hunting, for the love he brought to his family, I say thanks be to God. Amen In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Lynch Family.