Fred was the son of Charles and Jessie Lay and grew up in Salt Lake City, where he attended South High School. A man of integrity and dedication, Fred built an extraordinary career at EIMCO, where he worked for over 50 years. He began humbly in the blueprint room and, while also working evenings at the Stinker Gas Station, eventually earned a full-time offer from EIMCO—an opportunity he seized wholeheartedly. Over the years, Fred traveled the world on behalf of the company, negotiating contracts and building relationships with industrial partners across the globe.
One of those trips, to Mexico, would change his life forever. There he met Coralie "Tita" Smith, the love of his life. They married on July 1, 1970, and soon welcomed their sons—Troy in 1971, and Robert, who was born in Mexico City. After running Tita’s mother's business for several years, the family returned to Salt Lake City, where they raised their boys with love, discipline, and a strong sense of family.
Fred was a man of many talents and interests. He was an avid fan of Alfred Hitchcock films, a skilled dancer, and had a deep love for camping and the outdoors. Gifted with a natural musical ear, Fred taught himself to play both the piano and the trumpet, despite having no formal training. He also had a lifelong love for cars and a special bond with the many dogs he cared for over the years.
Fred was a devout Episcopalian and a lifelong member of All Saints Episcopal Church. He was deeply devoted to his family and was a guiding figure in the lives of many. As a young man, he helped raise his identical twin sisters—Linda and Laura—taking them to movies, buying them their first bicycles, and even dressing them up for trick-or-treating. He treated them not just as siblings, but as his responsibility and his joy.
Fred was the kind of man everyone loved—kind, generous, witty, and full of warmth. He was the favorite uncle, cousin, and nephew in every circle. His stories, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tita, in 2005. He is survived by his sons, Troy Lay and Robert Lay; his fraternal twin brother, Frank Lay of Lakewood, Colorado; and his sisters, Linda Lemmon and Laura Plain, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who adored him.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:30 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1710 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City. A visitation will be held 30 minutes prior. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
Fred Lay’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and the quiet strength of a man who always put family first. He will be deeply missed.
