Ralph Ralston Layton, 95, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 in the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Nappan. Born in Springhill on February 23, 1919, he was a son of the late Oliver Carroll (O.C.) and Gertrude (Oliver) Layton.

Ralph married Gwendolyn Rose Ripley, daughter of Annie and Willard Ripley of River Philip, NS on September 18, 1942.

He was an active member of the Springhill Fire Department for 35 years and worked as a sheet metal worker for over 45 years. During World War II he worked in Debert and later in Amherst at Canada Car Company where they produced aircraft. He completed his career with 16 years at Oxford Frozen Foods. In addition, he had curled all over the Maritimes and raised Hereford show cattle for many years.

Ralph's greatest pleasure was his time spent with his family, including his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by daughters, Jean MacKay, Summerside, PEI and Mary (Bob) Reynolds, Amherst; a son John (Shirley) Layton, Rodney; five grandchildren, John & Paul MacKay and Mark (Janelle) Reynolds, Laura Reynolds and Lesley Reynolds; five great grandchildren, Jacob, Lauren, Sam, Lincoln, and Sawyer as well as three nephews and one niece.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Gwendolyn R. Ripley; a daughter Gwendolyn in infancy; sisters, Ivy, Helen, Persis, Myrtle and Elizabeth (infancy); and a brother, Donald (infancy).

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902-597-2361) from where visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 7-9 pm and on Saturday from 2:00 pm until the time of the funeral at 3 pm. Following the service, Ralph will be laid to rest with his late wife in the Hillside Cemetery, Springhill. Pastor Paul Berry officiating.

Donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Springhill Fire Fighter's Assocation, The Springhill Baptist Church or the charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the obituary online at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or by visiting our facebook page.