Danny is a part of my earliest childhood memories, and has been in my life as long as I've had life.  The Layne's and the Blankenship's grew up together, as close as cousins could possibly be.  But, it wasn't until we were both married and had children, and lived closer to each other than any of our other cousins that we became really close.  Dan and Margie were always there for our milestones, as we were for theirs, good and bad.  My kids thought they were their Aunt and Uncle, not just mom's cousins.  We've partied together, talked together and cried together and loved each other through it all.  I'll miss you, Danny.  We will keep an eye on Margie for you.  Love you.

I was far more than his "other brother" (as I was honored to be referenced). He was my best friend and buddy...my confidant, my traveling companion. He was truly the Pathfinder. I will miss our conversations about life, politics, religion and all the other things people have difficulty discussing civilly today. I will miss the trips and good times. My fondest picture of Dan and I is the one of us quietly walking the beach one early cool Thanksgiving morning in Hilton Head. Thanks to Margie's generosity it now hangs proudly in my office in SC reminding me of our deep love and friendship. We had so many wonderful trips together..Normandy and Israel stand out. All the times we had were precious..and fleeting. I will always be there for Zak, Margie and the kids. He was blessed with his family...and especially blessed with a wonderful daughter, Maureen. Margie was his rock who stood by him through the best of times and worst of times.  You are amazing little lady! I will think of you always Pathfinder....and you always will be in my heart and soul. You served your country and most importantly your family. I am a far better person for having the privilege of being your brother. Thank you.

We were so young when we found one another and we made it work by accomplishing our goals together and believing in one another even when so many didn't believe in us.  You showed me how interesting history could be, I showed you how interesting a whole new culture could be.  We both finished college (you, being the first in your family), we had a wonderful, loving and such a smart son who brought to us a whole new addition to our lives  a wonderful daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.  Nothing can be better than that.  Our travels took us far and near.we didn't miss a thing.
You left me way too soon, we were supposed to grow old together.  Instead, this last journey we will have to go it alone until we meet again.  I will miss our late night conversations and our long talks just about anything and everything.  I will miss you, the most important person in my life, a gentle quiet soul who loved to laugh, tell a silly joke and sing to me and the grandchildren.  You were loved by so many, because you loved all of them and they knew it.
I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.  I will miss you all of the days of my life. I will look for you everywhere and, when I find you once more, we will be together forever.
Rest now, I have loved you from the first day we met and will love you forever.
I will take care of our family with all the love and caring possible. We had great run.so until we meet againgoodbye my love.

I smile thinking of you.  The scene always comes back to family gatherings, sitting around your living room, or Zak and Maureen's backyard, simply catching up and sharing life's stories or a laugh.  We are truly grateful and lucky for being included as family in such a short time.  Mark and I have celebrated major milestones while being here, with you as witness to every single one.  We were honored to share these occasions, having you present during Mark's military retirement, my promotion, and especially our wedding!  I will hold close our times of laughter, and even sitting around not necessarily saying anything, but just 'being'.  With you, I am reminded that we need to pause, just breathe and embrace our company.  I will miss your easy-go-with-the-flow manner, your humor, sweet demeanor, gentle giant of a man always offering the best of hugs upon walking in the door. As we shared bulldog stories, my wish for you is that your childhood buddy, Britches, was eagerly awaiting your arrival with a sloppy kiss and wagging tail.  We love you and miss you dearly.

Although I worked in another Division at CMS - first as an analyst and then as a manager - Dan and I crossed paths on the same issues.  He was a wonderful person and an incredible mentor.  I could always depend on Dan's historical knowledge to bring me up to speed on important issues in which we both shared an interest.  We also used to trade stories of working in the disability claims area at SSA back when we were both very young and did not know each other.  I retired last year and live outside of Maryland, so I just heard from a contact at CMS about Dan's passing.  I am shocked and incredibly saddened that this wonderful man is no longer with us.  My sincere condolences go out to his family as they struggle to move on without Dan in their lives.

   Saying good bye to Danny is so very sad for  us.  He is half of the Margie and Danny team, a great brother-in-law as well as our friend. He was with us during some of our most treasured journeys in life and we will always be grateful that he shared his humor and his great zest for life with us.  We have snapshots of times with Danny that we continue to revisit as we reminisce with our family and friends.
    We got to witness Danny's reactions to a precarious situation during one of our infamous camping trips. A group of family members went to Oneida Lake. 
His in-laws, Mae and Bill Horowitz were camping in the same camper with Danny and Margie and we were in our camper van. Four family members, Danny, Bill, Joel and Carol went night fishing and after an intense discussion about astronomy which necessitated all of us looking at the sky, we realized we were "lost". Every dock looked the same and we were in the middle of the lake. As we attempted to return to the correct dock, we elected Danny to be our lookout to avoid debris in the water. It didn't matter that it was pitch dark, we  couldn't find the dock and he couldn't swim. Danny sat hunched over the front of the boat calmly watching the water for "debris". After about 20 minutes, he turned to us and calmly stated "really" and then he laughed. We all joined in because Danny realized that we were only trying to distract him as well as ourselves from the reality of the situation. Of course we didn't have cell phones then so we had no way of communicating with our family. Danny created humor in an otherwise tense situation.The trip seemed to be ending as the boat was docked and the three men went to verify our location. After he returned to the boat with Joel and Bill, he calmly climbed back into the boat and stated, "oh it's the wrong  side of the lake". Of course we couldn't stop laughing because of his "announcement".  When we finally retuned to the correct dock, he departed the boat and turned to the three of us and stated " don't you dare leave me alone to explain this to Margie".  He promptly laughed his Danny Laugh and we finished up the camping trip with no additional crisis.
    We always laughed when Danny had to have his Abbotts Custard every time he came to Rochester to visit. He would take the luggage to the house and state " I already stopped but can we get "Abbotts again"?  He even insisted that we have Abbots after being at an all you can eat clam bake for several hours. When he discovered that we could walk to Abbots from our home as well as from work he stated "some people have all the luck" and then he laughed.
  We had the honor of watching Danny hold his new son. Zachary was a few weeks old when we came for a visit and Danny just beamed as if he had won the lottery. His heart was overflowing with love for his son and it was a wonderful time to share. We saw this same reaction when he welcomed Savannah into the family, then Maureen and Hudson and Sophie.  His love for Margie was always a given and we watched as she joined him in these celebrations of life.
  Some of our memories with Danny stand out and could fill a book. We only have to say one word to each other and get a wonderful feeling as we reminisce. Some of the memories include, fake John Wayne movie, what is his correct age, walker or cane, spare rib mishap, walking fourteen miles with Joel, Aaron and Zachary, cleaning while being teased by everyone except Margie, his famous underwear story, the famous apron story while working at the soup kitchen, uncontrollable laughter with Joel at a serious time that almost caused an important deal to be declined (there was a second chance and he still laughed with Joel about this), diet coke, teaching how to drink coffee thru a straw while driving, pearls in the mussels during the holiday party,  the mystery drink at the Chinese restaurant that included a lighted shot glass of the mystery fluid and a $100 bet,  his comments about sleeping on the jackknife narrow camper bed with Margie, the van trip to Canada packed to the roof with "party beverages and other surprise items",  Strong Memorial Hospital, cell phone humor, spending weekends at each other's home and talking about our children and grandchildren. 
      We got to see the real side of Danny and will always treasure this gift. He will always be in our hearts  and we will remember him as we move through our life journey. We send our deepest condolences to Margie, Zachary, Maureen, Savannah, Hudson and Sophie.

Margie,  I was saddened to hear yesterday of Dan's passing.  John and I spoke of the fond memories we have of our years together many years prior. I will  remember you both from those happier times.  My thoughts are with you.

Margie,

I don't know whether you remember me but I dated your sister-in-law Sharon back in the mid-90's.  I always enjoyed Danny's company and his sense of humor.  I ran into him in the grocery store a few years ago before he or John became ill and we had a nice talk.  I'm very sorry for your loss.  Hopefully, good memories will bring you comfort.

John Frazier

My dear uncle Danny cured me of height scares by taking me on roller coasters along the east coast. At age 14 I turned into a toddler screaming Again, Again, AGAIN! I will miss him more than I can say. All my love to Zac and Margie.

It was a privilege knowing Dan, most people will go their whole lives without meeting such an all around great person. We already miss the times we spent with him and Margie which usually centered around good food, drinks and laughter.

I worked with Dan for over 30 years at CMS/HCFA. I started work just before Dan and retired 2 years after him.  He led the business efforts for a number of systems, and I led the systems team that implemented some of those systems. We had a great working relationship. One running joke was that I'd invite him to a meeting at Hagerstown Community College, giving him detailed directions for getting there.  Dan would smile and shake his head every time.

He was an absolute pleasure to work with, calm and level-headed, with a sense of humor that facilitated working together. I think we also belonged to the same golf club, but I rarely got out to play in the last few years. Dan truly was one of the good guys. I'll miss him, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Dear Margie, Why is it times like this that we come back together. Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. We have such fond memories of you two. Remember when we would fold mailing envelopes to make money while the guys were in college. Then Danny trying to help Dave with college math. Also the time we went to Watkins Glen to see the races. (What races?) And last but not least when you and Danny were in our wedding 43 years ago. Are prayers are with you and your family. Remember the memories of Danny will never be erased or forgotten from you heart.

Dave and Kathy Lum

Dear Margie, I only had the pleasure of meeting Dan once, but it was a joy to see your deep devotion to each other and to your family. You made Dan's care your top priority even when it meant taking time off from things like Zumba,Book Club and girl talk. Thanks for sharing the photos which reflect a life well lived,and a marriage filled with fun and joy! I can't imagine your heartache at this time, but I know that you're a strong woman. May you find comfort in faith, family, friends, and your precious memories. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Betsy

We are sadden to hear of Dan's death.  We have fond memories of Dan through high school and college.  God bless Marjorie and Zachary.

Uncle Danny was pure love.  He was a walking demonstration of how to be in the world-- he radiated his love for his family, his friends, and anyone he came in contact with.  I never saw him behave in a way that was self-seeking, mean spirited, or anything but kind.  He made me feel like I was his own from our first meeting, and he and Aunt Margie together made every party come alive!  Their commitment to loving and honoring EVERYONE's spirit is evident in the way their son Zak reflects their great love of him back into the world.  I will love and remember him always.

what a great guy!  I loved working with Dan at HCFA/CMS -- we laughed at the same things and it helped make sense out of what often seemed like a lot of nonsense! His life experiences -- Vietnam esp -- enabled him to have a perspective that others often lack.  He really understood what was important. I retired 10 years ago and my memories of working with Dan are among my most beloved.  My prayers are with his wife and family as they weave the threads of their lives back together.

My sincere condolences to Dan's family.  I interacted often with Dan at CMS many times over the years on DME and ambulance-related issues. He was always very wise and gracious during those times.  Dan was truly a prince of a guy, and I always enjoyed his wry sense of humor.  

I am so very sorry he is no longer with us. May God be with all of his family and friends at this difficult time.

Margie and family, we were saddened to learn of Danny's passing. We will always remember the good times, especially the Christmas gatherings at John and Barb's home. He was truly a kind and gentle person who we will always remember. The picture slide show is wonderful...love the bearded Danny pics.

I worked with Dan for many years at CMS.  He was one of the nicest men I have ever known.  My condolences to his wife and family.  I know he loved them very much.

So many wonderful adventures and memories. Wish we could play one euchre game!!  Woop woop

I was a co-worker of Dan's before he reitred from CMS.  I really enjoyed his witty commentary of the many movies and TV shows he often enjoyed.  He was also a great mentor and guide to his fellow workers and would not hesitate to provide assistance on a difficult issue.  He often spoke so fondly of his family; especially all of his grandchildren.  My condolences go out to the family.

To Margie and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you.

Today I said goodbye to one of the best men I have ever known. To say he was my father-in-law feels inadequate. From our very first double date at Tio Pepe's, I truly loved him. He welcomed me into his family, his home and his heart with a sincerity that does not present itself often in today's world. He was kind and helpful, thoughtful, and available to me at all times for guidance, current world news, handyman duties, a meal, a funny story, or to commiserate on our joint love - his son - and his antics. He made the most delicious eggnog, he complimented my cooking (even when it was an epic fail), he treated my family as if they were his own, he took me on fantastic vacations and taught me many valuable lessons I will cherish forever. I did not have enough time with him on this Earth, and I will probably never get over that. My children were so very lucky to call him Papa, and I was blessed to have him as my Dad. There are so many people who share in this sentiment and many of us will gather to remember him very fondly on Saturday. I am grateful for all of the support you have all shown and look forward to remembering Dad on a day befitting this fantastic individual (who was so modest he would shudder at the thought). My heart will forever be missing a piece.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. 1 corinthians 15: 26,

Thinking of all of you during this tough time. I am so sorry for your loss.  Zak, stay strong--you are the patriarch and loved by so many, including me.

Dear Margie, Zak, Maureen, Savannah, Hudson, Sophie and extended family: Please know that we are deeply sad at your loss. Dan fought so hard to get well and we were keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. He loved his family and appreciated all his friends. He was a "gentle giant"! He will be missed by all. Please take care of each other. 
With Sincere Sympathy, Bud and Dee Mathews

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Danford Dan Ray Layne

24 janvier 1948 – 30 septembre 2015

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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