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Calvin Layland Obituary

Calvin Clifford Layland, 58, of Chico, California, passed away Saturday, April 9, after a massive heart attack. He died doing what he loved, snowmobiling in the mountains and his last words were "This looks like Heaven!"

Calvin was born to Calvin and Frances Layland on August 2, 1946 at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles. He was named after his father and grandfather. He attended Chico Oaks Adventist School, Rio Lindo Academy, and Pacific Union College. While in college he met the love of his life, Linda Slackman, and they were married on June 21, 1969. They moved to San Francisco where Calvin attended podiatry school.

In 1972 Calvin graduated from podiatry school and moved to Chico. He began working with his uncle, Dr. Donald Caviness in Oroville, Paradise and Chico. He is currently an owner of Chico Podiatry Group and Chico Surgery Center.

Calvin and Linda enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Lake Almanor, enjoying golfing in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. They also enjoyed visits to their home in Palm Desert for golf. They enjoy traveling and have made several trips to Europe, with some of the most memorable being when Calvin would pick up a new Porsche. Calvin and Linda also had a close circle of friends that took snow ski trips together every winter. Calvin himself took several trips to Canada helicopter skiing. He also has had motorcycles most of his life and almost yearly would take a motorcycle trip to Mexico or even as far away as Alaska.

Calvin is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Layland; son, Chad and daughter in law Michelle; and son Cobi; his mother Frances Layland, sister Kathleen Baker and her husband Ken, brother Daryl Layland and his wife Kathy; brother and sister in law Rusty and Connie Slackman; his nieces and nephews; and the newest love of his life, his beautiful granddaughter, Madison Jane Layland. There are also many other close family members that will miss him dearly.

Calvin loved his Lord and was a member of the Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church. Calvin's greatest talent was making everyone around him feel loved, including the stranger sitting next to him. His passion for living was his friends, family and patients. An avid lover of life, he loved to snow ski, water ski, golf, travel, and snowmobile.

He was loved by all who knew him. He touched the lives of his family and friends. His zest for life and absolute positive outlook will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 2005 at the Neighborhood Church. Donations can be made to the Chico Oaks Adventist School for Calvin Layland's Memorial Scholarship in care of Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home. View obituary and send condolences online at www.nbcfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Layland

Not sure what to say?





Lori Ralston

May 1, 2005

I do not get the paper, seldomly watch the news, and work in Sacramento, so I had no knowledge of this completely devastating news of Dr. Layland's untimely death until I received a letter on 4/29/05. I read the obituary in the newspaper and read all of the guestbook entries today (5/1/05) and can honestly say that it is a general consensus on the way that Dr. Layland made me and EVERYONE that he came into contact with feel - and that was special. I can only speak in regards to my relationship from a patient's perspective and say that he always greeted his patient's with the gentle, loving, kind and caring attitude that made up the man and that completely radiated throughout his entire being. There is no doubt about whether he loved his job or the type of man that he was (in and out of his office) as it is very apparent to all that have any kind of contact with him. I just want to express my sincere condolences to his family and his "work family". I was glad to read that the great doctor was in fact doing something that he loved at the time of his passing and truly believe that is an idealistic way to go other than during sleep - no pain, no suffering. I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Layland was a phenomenal human being and will be greatly missed

Lisa Leuschner

April 27, 2005

I just received a letter from Dr. Layland's office. I don't watch the news or get the paper. I am still in shock but wanted to let the family know I am eternally grateful for Dr. Layland.

In the fall of 2004, Dr. Layland saved my toe - literally. I was bitten by what I believe was a brown recluse spider and was referred to him. He carefully monitored my progress throughout multiple visits. He had to perform minor office surgery and had wrapped my toe on one visit. I had left the office only to retrieve my date book for the next visit. Upon returning he glanced down where my toe was wrapped and saw blood around the bandage. He quickly took me back in the exam room and began asking if I had a history of bleeding problems. As he and another Dr. re-wrapped it, I explained I did not have a history of bleeding but I had asked God to rush the blood to my toe to drive out the infection and guess I wasn't specific enough in my prayers. We had a good laugh. I am glad he was right with God and is home. He is safe. We will heal in time and he will be deeply missed. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Sally Yost

April 23, 2005

Dear Family and Staff:



As a patient of Dr. Layland's I was grieved to hear the news of his unexpected death.



How to adequately convey what I thought or felt about a physician to whom I willingly drove to have my foot jabbed with a needle seven weeks in a row?



He was an extraordinary doctor. He was obviously very competent in his work. I was originally impressed with his direct, efficient and friendly manner. From my first visit, I got the sense that he liked what he did ... and that he knew that he did it well ... and that he really enjoyed each of his patients. What a positive aura he had!



He was a hell of a nice man and the world is diminished by his loss.



Please accept my very deepest sympathy. There are many of us (patients) who will truly miss him.

Kristine Watson

April 21, 2005

Dear Family: I am happy to know that Dr. Layland had the love of Christ in his heart and will be with Him for eternity. My heart goes out to you Mrs. Layland and the rest of the family. God Bless all of you and I pray that He will carry you thru this difficult time.

Marta Draper

April 20, 2005

I was a patient of Dr. Layland. I will always remember his happy spirit and his contagious laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Marie McMahon

April 18, 2005

I was a long time patient of Dr.Layland,he was such a pleasure to be around,always happy and smiling. He will be missed by so many, he touched alot of lives.My heart goes out to his wife and family.

Allen Stolz

April 15, 2005

Dr. Layland did three surgerys on my foot. Even though my only relationship with him was as his paitient I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed his humor and his possitive outlook on things. (even when you didnt really feel like hearing it). I would have liked to know him on a personal basis.

I would also like to extend my wishes to his entire office staff, they are all great!

And, Hang in there Chad.

sincerely,

Allen Stolz

Bob & Deb Grate

April 15, 2005

Dr. Layland was first my doctor. Both myself and my husband and Cal became friends. He has touched our hearts and so many other hearts around him. Both myself and my husband work for Foxwood of Lake Almanor, and Cal was our neighbor. He more than once has asked us to find him a lot in Foxwood, he could see the beauty that Foxwood showed. I called him on a rainy Saturday to tell him we have some lots he would be interested in. Not 10 minutes later, he drove thru the gates with a beautiful smile and the sparkle in his eyes. I introduced him to one of our sales agents "Caryn Black" Whom he became good friends with her and her fiance and enjoyed snowmobiling with them up on Dyer Mountain. There is a point to this story I am trying to tell. Cal was suppose to come in to Foxwood, Saturday April 9th around 12 noon to drop off some papers he signed. Around 11:50 AM, my husband was cleaning around the Sales Office here in Foxwood and noticed the most BEAUTIFUL fully matured male bald eagle flying in circles over Foxwood Sales office. He called me on the radio to come out and see this spectacular bird flying alone, "most eagles fly in pairs". The sun was so bright I could not see the bird. But my husband and two other Foxwood employees stood outside and watched as this bird made one final cirle over the Sales office with his beautiful white head and white tail with the rays of sun showing thru the feathers and spiraled straight up towards the sun and then was out of site. The next day we got notice of Dr. Laylands death. It didn't take us long to figure out what was behind that beautiful eagle we saw. Thank you Calvin.

Mike Eyer

April 14, 2005

A true legend!!! The Godfather of Chico. He always made everyone around him feel like they were the most important person to him. I knew him most of my life and never saw him treat another person poorly. The Lord may have taken him from us to fulfill His purpose, but Calvins charm, charisma, and character are something that I will always take with me and strive to emulate. I'll see ya around ole friend.

Megan Fitzpatrick

April 14, 2005

What a WONDERFUL man. Thank you Dr. Layland for being "you". You will be greatly missed, but I know we will see you again....

Sending love to your family.

With our deepest sympathy,

The Fitzpatrick Family

Megan, Mark, Kelly (who is went to Heaven at the age of 9) Mark Jr., and Maxwell

Cindy Ludwig

April 14, 2005

Calvin will be missed by so many. I have wonderful memories of skiing with Calvin and Linda. My love to Linda and the family.

JAMIE WATTS-SHUTE

April 14, 2005

DR LAYLAND YOU WILL BE MISSED!!

I worked for Dr Layland for many years. My most favorite memory is when he walked in that back door and always said goodmorning.He always had a smile on his face. He would be singing or whistling down the hall in between patients. He is most caring and loving person I have ever met. I will miss you!!! My thoughts and prays go out linda and family.

Jenni Murrill (Thompson)

April 14, 2005

Calvin will be greatly missed. He had a way of making you smile and laugh no matter what kind of day you'd had. I have many fond memories from the years our families have been friends. Though I haven't seen Calvin for a couple of years, he and Linda and the boys often cross my mind, always causing me to smile.

I wish I could give you all a big hug. My thoughts are with you.

LeAnn (Davolt) Parker

April 14, 2005

I had the priviledge of working with Dr. Layland at the Paradise office for a few years. He always came to work with a smile and a bounce in his step. He will be greatly missed. Love and prayers,

Kristine Dent

April 14, 2005

Dr. Layland will be missed. I used to work next door for his cousin Randy. I always enjoyed his smile.

Anne McIntosh

April 14, 2005

I was a patient of Dr. Layland's and will miss his wonderful care and enjoyable sense of humor. I will remember him fondly. My prayers and best wishes go out to his family at this most difficult of times.

Albert (AL) Aldred

April 14, 2005

How ironic. I had just pulled out, and was reminicing over the year books from Hooker Oak school; and as always the fond, and sometimes not so fond memories, such as when Calvin and I were sentenced to clearing the new play field of rocks. The memories go on and on. Thanks Calvin and family, for the inspiration during those years; even though it has been some time since I last saw Calvin. He was, I always felt, a friend. Thanks to your family for always making me feel special. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Sincerely, Al Aldred

Cindy H.

April 14, 2005

The Heavens have taken a great man. Always gave me kind and encouraging words to me through my Post surgery.

Mrs. Layland and family words can't express all of the goodness Dr. Layland gave to everyone he knew. He will be very much missed. God Bless

TERRY AND ANITA Hansen

April 14, 2005

We first met Calvin in 1962 at Rio Lindo Academy.His spirit, his warm embrace of the world around him will be missed and serves as a wonderful example.We hold Linda and family up in prayer.

terry and anita

Harvey and Robbyn Goff

April 14, 2005

To the Layland family: Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.

Tracy Copper

April 13, 2005

I worked for Dr. Layland at Chico Podiatry in 2004. I think one of my favortie memories is when he'd come into the office, he would either be singing or whistling, some days both! I must say that I was very privelaged to have been able to know him for the few months that I did. Another, he always made sure to say Goodmorning to everyone and really made it a point to make you feel important.

Judy Gambill

April 13, 2005

I had the pleasure of working with Calvin for several years, he was a wonderful man and loved and lived life to the fullest. I have very fond memories of working with him and his uncle Don. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jim Dwyer

April 13, 2005

Dr. Layland touched my sole and my soul. I was snowshoeing in Lassen on the same day he died snowmobiling and was thinking something very similar to his last words about how Heavenly it seemed. He helped make Heaven on Earth for those he knew. He will be greatly missed.

Lee & Lynda Welter

April 13, 2005

Calvin Layland brightened the day for everyone around him -- may his spirit endure and continue to inspire us.

Jennifer Burke

April 13, 2005

I am so glad that I not only got to work with Dr. Layland but that I got to know him. He was a wonderful man and touched my life and heart. My prayers are with you Linda and your family. God bless and keep you all.

Paige Owen

April 13, 2005

I worked down the walk way from him when both of our offices were on mangrove. We have been patients of his for years. He was the most caring and loving person, just a joy to be around, a good friend indeed. We will surely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Paige Owen, Richard Horn, & Amber Wise

KEN & EDYTHE MARTIN

April 13, 2005

OUR LOVE & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. CAL WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Ken & Edythe

Warren, "Hutch" Hutchinson

April 13, 2005

This dear person performed several surgeries on my feet, one of which included his father as well. 'Twas easy to see the love between father and son as they did the tumor removal on my right foot. I shall always remember the gentleness and the warmth I felt surrounded by as the kind Dr. Layland introduced himself to me. I feel for your loss even though I am virtually a total stranger. (My late father, "Old Hutch" knew Dr. Laylands father.)

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