Gerald "Jerry" Layton

Hi Joel, it was nice to be with you at your father’s life tribute. I moved to Brooklyn in December 1980 or 1981. I met your dad through a mutual friend Judy Wine soon after. We got together to play guitar! I remember Jerry well. At the time Jerry was making a living as a handyman like me. I don’t know why we became friends! I think it was more of a spiritual thing. I wasn’t into bird watching but I used to like fishing in Prospect Park. But there we were hangin out over the years. I’m really glad to hear that he had such a great life until he fell ill. The last time I saw Jerry was soon after he went into the nursing home. I thought about visiting him often but never made it. And now Jerry is in Heaven with the birds and old girl friends and just being the good guy that he always was……

Jerry was a delightful member of our birding group who always added insight and humor to the outing. It's hard to pick one particular moment -- there were so many. Often Jerry was off crawling through the brush in pursuit of something without wings. He frequently exited a lunch spot with many of his garments still hanging on the chair (but one of us always gathered them for him). He was expert with bird, butterfly and plant identifications, so a tremendous resource on our trips. What a really fun guy! He is missed, greatly.

Jerry was my neighbor and friend for 16 years. He was a kind man with a warm smile who was always just a few feet and a knock on the door away. He encouraged my music and supported the band Joel and I played in. And when I left the building he was the first person to call to see how the move went. He will be remembered and missed.

Jerry was a delight to bird and bug with! I remember many times, stooped and crouched over an intriguing insect with Jerry, then looking up, and finding the birding group had moved on, out of sight. Sense of time vanished while exploring with Jerry. We have missed the rascal! and his good-hearted enthusiasm.

I had the good fortune to know Gerry as a friend and fellow educator for many years. Gerry’s sincerity, openness and caring attitude towards all living things made a difference wherever he was. His sensitivity, playfulness and his ability to communicate made him a special friend, a good counselor and a wonderful environmental educator. I will always remember his guiding students to walk quietly as indigenous people would to observe wildlife in Prospect Park during programs with BCUE. His wisdom made a difference to me and the many people that had the good fortune to know him.

I was in NY to study for a while and desperate to find a place . . . the morning I was supposed to to sign a lease for a sublet that I did not want to stay in I found a little note with a phone number by a “middle-aged man looking for a compatible and clean room mate” pinned to the blackboard at the Park Slope food co-op. I called, he was there, I rang the bell and as I was walking up the stairs Gerry stuck his head out. I believe we both knew at that very moment we were compatible room mates. We ended up hanging out and talking quite a bit, and he introduced me to a few interesting people. He had a wicked sense of humor and a great heart. I have the best of memories of you, Gerry!

I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Laytons students. Such great Energy, Determination, and Love. He will be dearly missed on this earthly plane! God bless the Family 🙏🏾🙏🏾

I was in sangha with Jerry. He was a warm, gentle, kind man. I missed him when he was no longer able to attend and he has been in my thoughts over these past few years. I know he will continue beautifully in his family members and friends.

Jerry Layton, we miss you. I have many fond memories of birding with Jerry. He was so passionate about observing any that flew, from birds to dragonflies to butterflies to….planes. One time that stands out was a Christmas Count I did with Jerry and a gentleman from Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology. We were crossing the Long Meadow and the guy from Cornell looked up and pointed to a plane flying by. “That’s an xyz model of the Boeing nnn. I haven’t seen one of those for a year.” To which Jerry responded: “Right. The one with the red wallpaper in the bathrooms.” From then on it seemed like I was going to be the only one paying any attention to the birds, as every plane flying by was identified to age, sex, make, model, origin, and destinations traveled. I always jumped at a chance to bird with Jerry, knowing that I was going to learn something new about butterflies, the park, or airplanes. We’ll all miss him. Tom Stephenson

Gerry attended sangha with me for several years. He was always, funny, serious, and a warm person. I was sorry when he stopped attending, but understood it was becoming a strain. I enjoyed knowing him. I’m happy he had 83 years to live. I believe he lived well, and touched many students.

So sorry Joel to hear about your father's passing. Jane (Livia's friend)