“Here is your assignment for today if you choose to accept it. Don’t open your computer, don’t think about adding anything to the list, sit in a chair and think, and if you go hiking; go slow and find a place to be at peace!” Love, dad (Al Layman)

What a beautiful and well-lived life. Al Layman’s end of life journey was written by the man himself. He had time to enjoy what mattered most to him: friends, family, his best friend and dog, Bandit, at his home along the river. He reflected on a life well-loved, lived, and cherished conversations with family and friends, letters written, books read, jazz on the stereo, and a river view as his backdrop.

His early introduction to the river and fishing sparked his life-long passion for protecting the waters and environment. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League for over 40 years and served as president and long-time treasurer of Austin Chapter. During his tenure as Minnesota Division president, he worked to include the Izaak Walton League in the Minnesota Environmental Fund. He also served on the Cedar River Watershed District Board starting in 2007, concluding as chair in 2012.

Al was born in Moline, Illinois, to Margaret (Smith) and Dr. John Layman. His many interests and good fortune led him in various careers. His work ethic and steady character opened many doors for him. He started out as a store accountant for International Harvester in Chicago, owner of Layman Distributing Company in Austin, production manager at Cedar Valley, and finally committee administrator at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Family includes two brothers — Roger (Seattle) and John (Maryland), and many wonderful nieces and nephews, the “sunshine of his life,” daughter, Kris Layman, and grandson, Jacob.

Please join us for a celebration of life from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the Izaak Walton League cabin at Todd Park Austin, Minnesota, to “share Al stories” and enjoy the time together.

Memorials are welcomed in his memory to: Austin Izaak Walton League or Friends of Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

“In the end — I must believe it — just like a salmon, I will know how to die, and though I die, though I lose my life, nature wins. Nature endures. It is strange, and it is hard, but it’s comfort, and I’ll take it.” (Eva Saulitis)