Obituary of Shane Laycraft

To those of you who didn’t know my husband Shane well, you are marvelled by the dignity and determination with which he fought this horrible disease. For those of us that knew him well we expected nothing less. How does one go about summing up their husband in a few paragraphs? Shane was born in High River, Alberta, on September 18, 1956, to Lorne and Ellenore Laycraft. Shane was the baby of the family, having three older brothers, Denny, Brian and Kerry, and his best friend Dan, who was like his little brother. Shane grew up on the family ranch in the Porcupine Hills of southern Alberta. He completed school in Nanton and left home to go to Olds College where he received a degree in Agriculture. He didn’t use his degree for long when he found out that he could sleep past 5 a.m. and make more money in the insurance business. Off to Sunlife he went with the help of friend and partner Don Edey, and Shane never looked back. That’s about the time he met me (Marilyn) and we had two gorgeous daughters, Hailey and Jenna. Hailey has his love for music, Jenna has his passion and talent for riding horses and of course, Shane’s love for designer clothing, they both have. Hailey and Jenna were the pride and joy of his life. Even though Shane has achieved respect and recognition in the insurance business his true passion was riding his horse at the ranch. He looked like a million bucks in his Hugo Boss suit, but he was himself in his boots and Wranglers. There are so many things I’ll miss about Shane; his infectious smile, his humour, his snoring (even though at times it was annoying), his constant encouragement to make everything a positive and let’s not forget the inevitable “bottom line”. Shane will be joining his Mom and Dad as they continue on their journey. He will be remembered by family, countless friends and clients. There are so many people to thank for the continual support and encouragement from the staff at the Foothills Hospital and the Chinook Hospice, where they all feel like part of the family. Thank you also to friends who have touched my heart forever for the kindness they have showed to Shane. Whenever Shane tucked Hailey and Jenna in at night he’d say “I’ll be watching over you”, well now we know you really are watching over us. We’ll love you forever! Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Chinook Hospice, A Gift In Kind, 1261 Glenmore Trail S.W., Calgary, AB, T2V 4Y8 (Bed Fund). A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday, March 19, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. In living memory of Shane Laycraft, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.W. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.