October 29, 1952 – April 15, 2022
at the age of 69 years:
Celebration of Life: Saturday, May 28, 2022, 1pm – 2251 40 Street SE, Salmon Arm, BC
Layne’s life journey began on October 29, 1952 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and ended much too soon, on “Not-So-Good-Friday” April 15, 2022. He was the second son of Maurice and Ida Letourneau, and a brother to Wayne. He was predeceased by his mother in 1990 and father in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Billie, son, Chris, daughter Lisa (Mike), and son Mike, grandchildren, Mackenzie, Grace and Gabe, brother Wayne (Eileen) niece Jane and nephew Todd.
You can take the boy from the farm, but you can’t take the farmer from the boy. Layne, literally never wanted to leave to the farm. That was evident, on the first day of school when he threw his lunch box down on the ground, to protest having to get on the bus. Even at the age of ten, when the family moved to BC, he had developed a desire to be a farmer. The ability to maintain/repair farm implements/equipment, is an essential element for a successful farming operation. Layne had that in “spades”. The list of his abilities in that regard was endless.
At an early age Layne also developed a love of cars, especially Dodge muscle cars. At the age of 19 one of his first cars was a 68′ Charger 440, with a Racer Brown cam and hooker headers. His next car was a 72′ Charger, 440-4 speed, he really loved this car and mentioned many times over the years he wished that he had never sold it. Then came a 70′ Challenger R/T, this was a pretty spectacular car with all the metal flake and pin stripping done on it. He showed this car at many car shows and won many trophies with it. In the off-season Layne also loved to race his Artic Cat 440 snowmobile. Friday nights after work he would load his snowmobile up, pick Billie up and off they’d go. Some of the places were; Kaslo, Nelson, Clearwater, Revelstoke, Prince George and Vernon. He won a few trophies along the way but for Layne, it was the speed that he loved the most.
In the early 70’s the Shuswap Quarter Milers car club was formed. Layne enjoyed helping out at all of the events, especially at the Shuswap Quarter Milers Incline Raceway, these races were held out in the industrial park, between 1979 to 1984. With his mechanical knowledge of cars, he built his own race car, it was a 68′ Dodge Dart with a 426 Hemi called the Adult Toy. Many nights after work and on the weekends, he would be working on his car with his oldest son Chris at his side learning the tricks of the trade. Anyone that knows Chris, now knows where he got his mechanical knowledge and passion for Dodge muscle cars. Many weekends he’d load up the car and we would be off to the races in Spokane with other members of the car club. Some weekends it was just the kids and we’d be off to the races. When the car club came to an end, Layne got to do the next thing on his bucket list and that was to be a farmer once again.
In 1998 he and Billie bought acreage and built a house to the same dimensions as the original Saskatchewan farmhouse. He also built a barn, hay/equipment shed and a fully equipped shop with a hoist on one side and wood working shop on the other. Of course, when you have a farm, you need a brand-new John Deere tractor to round out the farming experience. There they raised a garden, beef cattle and several donkey foals from their beloved Ellie Mae and Jake. Layne also loved his dogs, having several in his life, some of his favorites were Queen, Spot, Coco, Chester, Belle and Waylon. For him it wasn’t a home without a dog in it.
Layne was a person of strong likes. They included; Billie, she has to be in first place, his children and grandchildren, Dodge/Ram vehicles, bourbon, (when asked for his favorite brand; his stock reply was that he was still working on the list). He liked a cold beer (MGD) in the summer, farm raised beef, John Wayne and John Deere tractors.
Layne started his mechanical apprentice with Braby and Davidson Motors Ltd in 1972, he worked with them a few years and then left to try out a few different careers over the last 40 some years. His last job that he had, was a parts representative with Braby Motors, and he loved it, he truly came full circle. I’m sure he is up there riding his tractor or maybe in one of his many muscle cars, with his loving dogs at his side.
The family would like to thank Dr. Willms for the care and compassion she has shown Layne over these last few years and the Doctors and nurses at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their dedication to him. The family would also like to thank Vince Fischer for the care and thoughtfulness he has given to us at this time of sorrow.
Layne: a brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, you will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Hi Billie.. I was taken aback at the news of Layne’s passing. We spent many happy hours together between grades 10 and 12. I remember the first car – something 40s or 50s – the Norton, and then the Charger. The Charger was new, but Layne couldn’t wait to tear it apart and make it better. I helped him, if washing parts and passing wrenches is helping.
A great guy. Always generous and always considerate. I’m sorry I won’t be able to look him up the next time I am in Salmon Arm.
My best to you, Billie, and to the family.
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the Letourneau family.
May you be comforted at this time by your love and the memories you share.
Condolences to Layne’s family & friends from Kevin Ogle
Family friend originally from Rosetown Sask as well
Layne’s grandfather, Chris was married to my Aunt Katie
Layne was a few years younger than his brother Wayne and me, but I remember that he was always “fixing” their go cart on their farm a few miles south of Rosetown –
Billie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss he was far to young,
Long time no see, you were great neighbors.
Anita Jolly
My heart goes out to you Billie, Chris, Mike and Lisa. Layne was one of a kind and will be missed
Darren
Dear Billie and family
So sad about Layne’s passing. I enjoyed working with Layne over the pass few years, I will miss our numerous sport and muscle car chats, the Dallas Cowboys lost one of their biggest fans. I hope you and the family (including Waylon) are holding up okay.
Ken & Wendy
Billie, my name is Dave. Layne and I were friends in high school. We went on a trip along the California coast when we were about 17. I bought his 1972 Dodge Charger and loved that car. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a dear friend at the time. My deepest sympathy.
Billie and Family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Layne. I know that all the wonderful memories you have will bring you strength and peace in this difficult time. Take care of each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rosella.
Billie, I was sadden to hear that Layne has passed. Just when you could start your retirement together and enjoy life. Know that I am thinking of you and your family as you all start to heal.
Billie and Family! I was so sorry to hear of Layne’s passing. Please know our family is thinking of you. You are in our hearts and prayers.
I like to think when the sun shines, it is our loved one smiling down from above. Take good care of yourselves.
Barb Hillson and our Families
Dear Billie,
Words will never be enough. We are so sorry to learn of Layne’s passing. May the love and support from family and friends bring you comfort.
Our sincerest condolences.
Neil & Krista
Dear Billie,
We are so saddened to learn of Laynes passing.
Our deepest Sympathies to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
May the journey ahead be filled with beautiful memories that add a little sunshine to each day as it passes.
xo
Mike and Karren Heslop
We are so sorry to hear of Layne’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kevin and Sherri
Billy, Chris, Mike, Lisa and families
We are so sorry to hear of Layne’s passing. To hear such sad news brought back a flood of memories. Please know all of you are in our thoughts at this very difficult time. May you find strength in each other.
Sherry, Lorne and family
Dear Billie and family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your husband , father , and grandpa. Some of my fond memories of our time in Salmon Arm involve your family. I pray that you will all find peace during this difficult time. I hope you feel surrounded by much love.
With deepest sympathy as you remember Layne,
Niki