Obituary of R. Layton McClare

It is with sadness that the family of Robert Layton McClare announces his passing on September 12, 2021 at Hospice House in Fredericton. Born in Windsor, NS, on December 5, 1937, he was a loving husband to Doreen (Davis) McClare. In addition to his wife, Doreen, Layton leaves behind his son, Mike McClare (Michele) of Scotch Settlement, NB; grandchildren, Gavin and Ryan McClare of Fredericton, NB; sisters, Pauline Goldsmith and Edith Paul (Bud) of Dartmouth, NS; sisters-in-law, Francis Combes and Elisabeth (John) Ainsworth, brother-in-law George (Kathy) Davis; Aunt-in-law Louise Parker; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Layton was predeceased by his son, Mark Layton; parents, Horace and Alice (Lyon) McClare; brothers, Donald, Walter, and Edwin McClare; and infant brothers John Avery McClare and Charles Gordon McClare. Layton lived in Hillsvale, NS, working on the family farm and lumber mill. He attended Horton academy for grades 9-11, Acadia for his Applied Science Certificate and then onto NS Tech for his Civil Engineering degree in 1960. He helped fund his school with summer assignments to the Canadian Officers Training Corps (COTC). His career started with four years as an engineer building highways in PEI with the Federal department of highways. Layton moved with Doreen and Mark to St. John’s to help "finish the drive in '65", where Michael was born two months later. After six years in NFLD, the family moved to Saint John, NB, in 1970 for a short six-month stint before Layton accepted a new job in Fredericton with the NB Department of Economic Growth where he rose to Assistant Deputy Minister. Fifteen years later he accepted a role as the Provincial/Federal Project Coordinator helping build the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Complex before finishing his career as Executive Director with the NB Department of Health and Safety prior to his retirement in 1998. Layton stayed very active in his community volunteering with The Epsilon Y’s Men, Cub Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Provincial Artisans, and Grace Memorial Baptist Church. He was an active member of Fredericton area organizations like the Fredericton Yacht Club, and Fredericton Golden Club. He loved the many people he met and grew to know and was quick to offer his time and energy by volunteering within these organizations to keep them strong for future generations. Layton was a member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge where he was very proud to earn his 32nd degree and then was bestowed the supreme honour of the Scottish Rite Mason 33rd degree. Layton loved to stay busy and had endless energy but also knew how to relax and have fun. He loved to share the interesting activities and stories of his friends and colleagues. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to listen to the stories of his grandsons and proud to be a close part of their lives and a positive role model for his family. There will be no formal funeral service. A memorial gathering will be held at Grace Memorial Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Layton’s memory can be made to Hospice Fredericton or the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation.