God saw you were getting tired, a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me." With tearful eyes, we watched and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.
Eulogy for William Layne
Our Dad was born on March 15, 1934, in San Bernardino, CA. He was the first child of Stanley and Lyda Layne and the only grandchild on either side. Four years later he was joined by his sister, Beverley.
He grew up In Colton and attended Colton Schools through sixth grade when his Dad and Mom moved the family to Oakland so they could attend beauty and barber school. They lived with Lyda’s parents and Dad was very happy, after two years in Oakland, to return to Colton where he graduated from high school in 1952. It was at this time that he met his lifetime friend Paul Wieler. Paul was the opposite of Dad: outgoing, risk taker, successful entrepreneur, gambler, great salesman. Compared to our Dad who was quiet, conservative, worked in the government sector, spent money on his family, and was direct with people. They enjoyed going to the horse races and handicapping together. Willie Shoemaker was their favorite jockey and Bobby took them to meet Eddie Delahoussaye. They certainly enjoyed the surprise. Our families were close and enjoyed many good times together.
Dad began his 39 years of Civil Service. He also joined the California Air National Guard in Ontario and served for 30 years.
On June 30, 1956, Dad married the love of his life Yavonne Taylor. In 1957, he joined the Army and was stationed for 6 months at Fort Eustis, VA. He and Mom lived in Colonial Williamsburg. He completed his two years at Ladd AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska but flew home in March of 1958 for the birth of his oldest son Bob. He returned to Norton AFB in 1959 for a short time because the government moved jet engines from Norton AFB to Oklahoma, and Dad and Mom did not want to relocate. In January of 1960, they welcomed another son: me (Roger). Dad was so excited! He wanted another son because he had always wished for a brother. They built their first home in Grand Terrace.
In 1961, Dad went to work for the Air National Guard where he remained for 13 years as the propulsion supervisor. In October 1962, their daughter Suzanne was born and their family was complete. In 1973, the family moved to a larger house and Cuddles (our dog) joined our family and kept Suzanne company after school until the rest of us came home. In 1974, Dad became a Quality Assurance Inspector for Rockwell in Inglewood, CA and for Northrop Corp. in Hawthorne, CA. During these four years, he opted to commute rather than relocate so that his kids wouldn’t have to change schools and make new friends. In 1978, he returned to Norton AFB and joined Detachment 6, 2762 Logistics Squadron for the SR-71 spy aircraft. His extensive knowledge of engines was vital in overseeing complex engineering upgrades to the plane. He quickly became the program’s technical expert for engines and aircraft components. He was first promoted to Section Chief and then became Technical Services Branch Chief. This was his favorite job and he was very upset when they disbanded the program and retired the aircraft in 1990. There is an SR-71 at the March AFB Museum and he enjoyed taking a group for a tour and answering questions about the different aircraft. His final position was as an Acquisition Management Specialist at the Air Force Inspection Agency. The unit was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1993. The Air Force wanted him to move but he chose to retire – he did not want to be away from our families. Family, friends, and acquaintances had no idea the projects Dad was involved in as he was a humble and very intelligent man. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award.
Family came first for Dad. His love was unconditional and he was always there for Mom and the three of us, which over time included his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He valued honesty, trust, and respect and he wanted his children to grow into responsible adults. He was very proud of all of his family. Dad was very close with his Grandpa Layne. He spent a lot of time with his Grandpa while he was growing up which made their relationship even stronger. Dad loved his humor and toughness and he was still mowing lawns in his eighties. Dad taped a conversation with Grandpa while they discussed how he came from Arkansas in a wagon and settled in Colton. He built his own house and experienced several evolutionary changes such as the telephone, automobile, and all the electric gadgets. He was very sad when Grandpa passed. Another loss was his grandson, Taylor Matich. They loved to discuss history, American and foreign wars, politics, and sports. They challenged each other in their discussions and it was a great loss for Dad and our family.
Music was a major part of his life. He took violin lessons for two years when he was 7 and he always wished his Mom had forced him to continue piano. He had an extensive library of music and enjoyed making personal discs for family and friends and he liked it played very loudly. Our home in Grand Terrace had speakers larger than some of the furniture and we always had state-of-the-art television and stereos. He enjoyed all genres. He had a great ear for music and each song and artist was an enjoyable experience.
Sports was another big interest of my Dad’s. He would talk about John Wooden and UCLA basketball. He liked that Wooden taught basketball fundamentals such as passing, rebounding, full-court pressing, defense, and shot free throws well. He was so frustrated with the pros – he’d say, “How can they be making millions of dollars and can’t make a free throw?” We would stay up every Friday night and watch the Bruins being replayed on Channel 5 at 11 PM. His favorite football team was USC. He also loved the LA Lakers. His all-time favorite was Jerry West. He also loved “Showtime” with Magic. Because of Dad, I think Mom now bleeds purple and gold.
Coaching was something our dad was good at and he coached Bobby and me in Rialto boys' basketball. He also was involved with Colton-Terrace Little League Baseball. He was also involved in Colton Pony League. He met another lifetime friend in Dale Harpe when their boys were in Little League. They could talk for hours, and Dale and Charlene introduced Dad and Mom to Pinochle Club. This relationship had given Mom and Dad many new friendships. He complained about the game but he always enjoyed the company.
He later coached basketball in Yucaipa with Nikolas and Taylor and taught Katie how to bat. His first team with Nikolas went undefeated thanks to two very special players, Jesse and AJ. The grandkids thought it was hilarious how he would give unsolicited advice to referees, coaches, and even players from the bleachers. Mom not so much.
There were other long-time friends in my Dad’s life. He loved to joke and play ping pong with Zane Villars, a neighbor in Grand Terrace. Charlie Stewart, another friend, was a consummate athlete and stationed at Fort Eustus at the same time, so they spent a lot of time together. Kenny Melton, a high school classmate, now lives in Texas but they telephoned each other on a regular basis. Jay Hudkins and Roger Foor became friends when they worked for the Guard.
Dad had a great sense of humor and his laugh was contagious. His all time favorite comedian was Jonathan Winters. He loved watching him ad-lib on Johnny Carson’s show.
Dad was a staunch democrat and voted the same throughout his life. He was always a willing participant with anyone who would care to discuss politics.
My dad was a good man. During his last few years, he suffered from a number of illnesses which he battled constantly but never complained. Mom said he was a perfect patient. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years; his son Bobby (laura), his son Roger, his daughter Suzanne Matich (John); his grandchildren Tina Hernandez (Benny), Becca Baumann, Trevor and Allison Layne, Katie Matich (Kevin), and Alicia Warnick; great-grandchildren Madeline and Christopher Hernandez, Bently Matich and Karlee, Karson, Konner, Kevin, and Taylor Padilla, his sister Beverley Caso (David) along with nieces. His beloved grandson Taylor John Matich preceded him in death and now we are brokenhearted to say that Taylor's brother Nikolas William Matich passed away on January 6, 2022.
May the three of them be together and rest in peace.
William R. “Bill” Layne
March 15, 1934 – December 12, 2021
Bill Layne, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Stanley and Lyda Layne in San Bernardino, CA, and spent most of his life in the Inland Empire.
He grew up in Colton and graduated from Colton High School in 1952. Following graduation, he began his Civil Service career in 1952 as a jet engine mechanic for four years. In 1957, he joined the Army and served two years as a Crew Chief at Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1961, he resumed his Civil Service career as a Propulsion Supervisor for the California Air National Guard, Ontario, CA and served for 13 years. In 1974, Bill became a Quality Assurance Inspector on the B-1A program at the Air Force Plant Representation Office, Rockwell Corporation, Inglewood, CA. He ensured compliance with component calibration schedules, aircraft, and engine assembly. He also served as a Quality Assurance Inspector AFPRO, Northrup Corporation, Hawthorne, CA. In 1978, he became a Maintenance Technician for engines in Detachment 6, 2762 Logistics Squadron. He oversaw complex engineering upgrades to the SR-71 Spy Plane. He was first promoted to Section Chief and later to Technical Services Branch Chief. After 12 years and the disbandment of Detachment 6 in 1990, he became an Acquisition Management Specialist, Air Force Inspection Agency, Norton AFB for his last years of employment.
In 1956, he married his wife Yavonne Taylor and they raised three children in Grand Terrace, CA. He loved sports and was an avid fan of UCLA basketball and USC football. He was involved in Colton Little and Pony Leagues and Rialto Boys Basketball. Upon retirement, he and Yavonne moved to Yucaipa where he was available for babysitting grandchildren in Yucaipa and Corona. He became their personal taxi to school and practices and coached his grandsons’ basketball teams. He always made sure he was there for any event, big or small, in his children and grandchildren's lives. This continued with his great-grandchildren as well.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years Yavonne. His son Bobby Layne (Laura) of Upland, son Roger Layne of Banning, and daughter Suzanne Matich (John) of Beaumont. His grandchildren: Tina Hernandez (Benny), Becca Baumann, Trevor and Allison Layne, Nikolas Matich, Alicia Warnick, and Katie Matich Padilla (Kevin). His great-grandchildren: Madeline and Christopher Hernandez, Bently Matich and Karlee; Karson, Konnor, Kevin, and Taylor Padilla. His sister Beverley Caso (David) along with nieces and nephews. His beloved grandson Taylor John Matich preceded him in death.
He was dedicated to his family and was the epitome of unconditional love and support.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life was held on January 9, 2022, at the Four Seasons Community Lodge in Beaumont, at 11:00 AM.
Poem "For Bill" by Beverley Caso
How do I describe this guy,
He was certainly like no other,
Husband, Dad, Grand and Great Papa,
But to me, he was Bill, my brother.
I feel so very fortunate,
That we had this opportunity, so rare,
Not only growing up together,
But having all these years to share.
We grew up very lucky,
There was so much love around,
A special Grandma and a Grandpa,
Who would never let us down.
We had one Grandma from Arkansas,
Who made biscuits, and fried pies,
The other was from Scotland,
Her scones and pasties took the prize.
Food has always been important,
And we could quickly clean our plate,
We may not remember the occasion,
But we could tell you what we ate.
We spent two years in Oakland,
Where our grandpa made the rules,
Mom and dad were very busy,
Going to Barber and Beauty schools.
When Bill finished high school,
Paul moved in with us to stay,
Introducing us to Rhythm and Blues,
As “My Little Red Top” began to play.
Paul taught Bill how to swing dance,
Before going out on Friday night,
I’d be their willing dancing partner,
So they would get the steps just right.
Then came the summer of ’53,
Bill’s life would never be the same,
He met this beautiful girl and fell in love,
Yavonne Taylor was her name.
They married and had three children,
Bobby, Roger, and Suzanne,
And he showed by his example,
How to be a perfect dad.
Years later, when the grandkids came,
How he loved their smiling faces,
If they all wanted different food,
He would take them to different places.
When the great-grandkids came along,
He’d gladly babysit them all,
There he’d be, sitting at his computer,
While chips and soda spilled down the hall.
He always thought of all of them,
As the most magnificent gift, by far,
He gave them love and laughter,
And a true sense of who they are.
Lose his temper, well sometimes,
That’s what his grandkids say,
When driving, he was quoted,
“You jackass, get out of my way.”
We called him the “Energizer Bunny,”
Because he could drive and never tire,
Age and illness couldn’t stop him,
From what he wanted to aspire.
One of Bill’s favorite things was music,
He had speakers in every room,
He assured Yavonne loud music,
Would always chase away the gloom.
We all remember his marvelous humor,
And the comedy routines with Paul,
They would keep us in stitches for hours,
Such great memories, one and all.
I’ll bet there’s a TV playing,
And your music is making a beautiful sound,
So grab your coffee and newspaper,
For this is Heaven you have now found.
Love you, Bill.
Bev
Family: Yavonne Layne, Suzanne Layne Matich, Tina Hernandez, Trevor Layne, Katie Matich Padilla, Allison Layne, Beverley Caso, and Bill’s great-grandchildren.