Larry H. Layton, a longtime board member of the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District (AADUSD) and founder of the Larry H. Layton School of Law, died of heart failure Saturday.

AAUSD has issued a statement on his passing:

Mr. Larry H. Layton had served on the Acton-Agua Dulce USD Board of Trustees for over 10 years. His commitment and dedication to our students and community were of his highest priority.

As many of you know, I’ve only been the Superintendent here in AADUSD for just under a year. There is a special relationship that occurs between the Superintendent and the Board members who hire you. It is typically a rigorous process for Board members as well as the applicants. Once hired, board members develop a unique relationship with the Superintendent. I have a very special relationship with our Board and I feel blessed to work at the pleasure of the Board.

I grew to know and become familiar with Larry in a very short period of time. Larry spoke fondly of his family. He told me many stories of his children and grandchildren. He was a family man more than anything else. I will greatly miss his stories, his knowledge on so many topics, and his kindness towards me.

Larry Layton loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mr. Layton also loved music, serving the public, and preparing for Board meetings. He read all of his materials in preparation for each Board meeting and contacted me for any points of clarification. Before each Board meeting, Larry would fill me in on the status of the Dodgers. He told me stories about listening to the Dodger games on his AM radio from over 50 years ago. He took me to 3 baseball games this year and it was truly a treat. Larry proudly walked me around the stadium to show me the different views of the field and the ball pen where the pitchers warmed up, eventually leading me to his coveted season ticket seats. The ushers knew Larry as did many Dodger fans. It was like walking with a celebrity.

About two months ago during a Board meeting, Larry made a very insightful comment. After observing one of our Stay Gold videos that captures students thoughts on overcoming personal adversity or academic triumphs, Larry stated the following (I’m paraphrasing): “… a Stay Gold moment only occurs after one reflects upon the past…” You may be going through something difficult or challenging and at the moment you don’t realize the importance of the challenge. But sometime in the future you may recall the scenario or event as a Stay Gold moment. I’m sure Larry phrased it much more eloquently, but the essence of his point was well received by his colleagues and staff.

On behalf of Board President, Ed Porter, and our Trustees, it is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Larry Layton. He will be greatly missed.

Lawrence M. King

Superintendent, Acton-Agua Dulce USD

In addition to the AADUSD statement, Larry Layton’s family also posted a tribute Wednesday on his Facebook page:

“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the sad news of the passing of a great man. Lawrence Hoyt Layton is no longer with us after experiencing heart failure last night. Services will be announced at a later date. Rest in peace, Larry and know your family and friends love you and will greatly miss you.”