John Layman, long time Whitehorse resident, passed away after a courageous struggle with his health. After 7 months in Vancouver hospitals where he was becoming adept at getting around on a prosthetic leg, he transferred to Whitehorse General last December where he was preparing to return home.

John was the youngest child of five, growing up in an air force family that moved around the country in the 1950s and ‘60s. Born in London Ontario, he moved with his family to Toronto, Winnipeg, and finally to Edmonton, where he became engaged in the local music and arts communities before moving to Whitehorse in the mid-‘80s.

John’s commitment and devotion to his art was his life work. His beautiful calligraphy and signage adorn many small businesses and communities across the Yukon. Much of his sign-crafting was commissioned, including designing and painting most of the sand-blasted neighbourhood name signs in and around the City of Whitehorse. He also taught calligraphy courses for several years through Whitehorse Parks and Recreation.

His vast collection of 30+ years worth of ticket stubs and performance programs speak to his tremendous support for music and the arts. John attended and became involved in numerous music festivals and devoted many years to the Frostbite Music Festival, as a volunteer and on the board.

John was a relentless romantic, prolific note-taker and poet with a quick wit, love of everything Celtic and of quirks of the English language. His generous welcoming heart, memorable sense of humour and occasionally ogre-like temperament were well-known throughout the community of Whitehorse.

John is survived by his brother Rod Layman (Catherine Henderson), by nephews D'Arcy (Samantha) and Paul Therien, nieces Danielle and Leah Layman-Pleet, cousins Terry and George Rammell and sister-in-law Teresa Pickering. John and his sister Molly left us all on the same day. The loss of their presence in our lives is softened by the love and appreciation we still carry for them.

John will be honoured posthumously by the Yukon Heritage Association with a History Maker award on Monday February 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Reading Room at the Yukon Archives. Family and friends are contemplating a celebration for John on his birthday next summer, July 15th…to be confirmed at a later date.