OUR FRIEND, LAYNE BRANDT

August 23, 2008

My friends, Mis Amigos, we are here to celebrate the life and memory of Layne Brandt, who left this earth so suddenly and unexpectedly.

Layne was my best friend and the finest man I have ever known.

As all of you who knew Layne Brandt know, he considered himself to be a very lucky person. He often said when referring to a successful hunt, “It was a lucky shot.” Layne could hit a 3 inch circle at 200 yards - no problem. We who knew Layne realize that luck is 99% preparation and hard work.

We have been so lucky to know him.

We have a tough job to carry on without him. We know Layne is with his God. But if Layne were here in person, I believe this is what he would do.

He would gather us all around and say, “We have a major challenge. I know we can all do this together. I want to hear your ideas. Then we all will decide on a plan. Then we will set a schedule for this plan and for implementing this plan.” (Layne would not tell you, but later he would give you a grade on this plan. No one remembers getting an “A” from Layne—maybe “A-” was the best, and that was rare).

Layne was a true “man for all seasons.”

He was like Thomas Jefferson—a farmer, an inventor, a businessman, a scientist, a family man, a sportsman, an advocate for policy he believed in.

Layne would want us to continue all the many projects and pursuits he left for us. He would like us to continue with the enthusiasm, energy, and optimism that he always displayed. As Layne always said, “For me the glass is always half full, never half empty.”

Layne was a family man

Layne loved and treasured his family above all. He cherished his family; his wife, Eileen, of 27 years - and children; Kelly, Tami, Lisa, Julie, Allen; daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren. It was obvious to all who saw Layne and Eileen together that they were soulmates. She could even get him to dance, and Layne said he did not dance! (We have the photos to prove it!).

But the remarkable thing is - we are all members of Layne’s family.

Layne’s love and respect for his extended family was unsurpassed. All Layne’s friends from around the world are his extended family. And we have heard from those friends across the country and around the nation and world. What a tribute to all the lives that Layne has touched!

I also think of Layne as a loyal FICO man.

My first memories of Layne are when he first came to FICO and worked in the shop at Continental along with Sandy Sanderson. I was working in the feedlot at the time. Layne’s skills as a superb mechanic were soon widely recognized by all.

Layne worked elsewhere for awhile, but thankfully, Lorrell Clark was responsible for Layne’s return to FICO.

In 1977 we had the first 100 year flood, followed by one in 1983 and 1993. I was the farm manager at that time. The ‘77 flood came in October before harvest. We had to harvest on top of the flood debris, silt, and mud. Everyone pitched in and worked 24/7 to clean the flood debris. This included not only the FICO crew, but additional help from Sierrita Mining and Ranching; Lynn Harris, John Harris, Mac McVey and their crew; Ken Ethridge, and many others. With the amount of work going on to repair the flood damage, I recognized that Layne had all the qualities of leadership. A few years later I did not have an assistant; Layne became my assistant, and very soon assumed the role of manager of FICO’s Arizona farming operations, the Santa Cruz Valley and the Maricopa Farms.

In the early 1980s Layne, my dad Keith, and I agonized over many lunches and many hours of coffee on Saturday mornings at the office before arriving at the decision to thin trees. Layne did the terrific job of organizing and executing the tree thinning project which continued for about eight years. Remember that was in addition to growing and harvesting the crop each year.

His knowledge of farming and leadership of the farm employees allowed me the time to travel to FICO’s Florida Farm, begin the development of our European export market for Green Valley Pecans, and travel throughout the Western pecan belt to develop relations with pecan growers there.

Layne was an inspirational leader for our employees.

Layne had a special talent for inspiring people. Through Layne, a crew of people developed who maintained the FICO equipment many years beyond its normal expected life in order to conserve capital dollars. I remember Marlin Flory told me he did not want to bring any growers to FICO because he would never sell any new harvesters if they saw the FICO harvesters. On Layne’s behalf I want to say “thank you” to Rocky, Juanito, Julio, Hector, Rocquito, Maestro, Jose, Mark, and the many others for your efforts in maintaining FICO’s equipment. On the farm operations side, Layne either mentored or was mentored by many wonderful people at FICO who dearly beloved their boss, Layne. I wish I could name them all: From the early years to name a few, I think of Juan Lopez and Ruben Alvarez, Steve Lopez, Joe Orosco, Nacho Bracamonte, Luis Rodiguez, and Max Spilsbury. In the later years I think of Allen, Michelle, Roger, Felix, and Ernest.

In 2004 Layne and I were looking for farmland to expand FICO’s pecan operations after the sale of the Maricopa Farm in Pinal County. We had our eye on Cochise County. Layne made direct contact with several farmers in San Simon, and he alone negotiated for FICO to buy five parcels of land without a real estate broker. All the deals went through without a hitch due to Layne’s ability to deal with people. Allen has run the FICO San Simon Farm since the first property was acquired. Layne and Allen have engineered the plans for the planting of pecans with 865 acres now under micro sprinkler irrigation. We look forward to carrying out the plans Allen and Layne have made to plant 2,500 acres.

Layne was a leader in our industry.

In the world of the pecan industry, Layne was a giant of a leader. He served on numerous industry committees. He was the Western Regional delegate to the National Pecan Marketing Board in the early 1990s. Layne was a founder and past president of the Arizona Pecan Growers Association, past president of the Western Pecan Growers Association, and past president of the National Pecan Growers Council. These positions required that Layne travel extensively.

Layne was a superb aviator.

About 1976 or 1977, Layne told me he wanted to learn to fly. He had found a Cessna 150 for sale and asked me if he could tie it down at the Continental Airstrip. Being a mechanic, a hunter with sharp eyesight, Layne soon had his pilot’s license. At that time Layne’s flying was personal. Some years later, Layne, my dad Keith, and I were talking about the need for a faster four place plane for Layne. We bought Layne’s plane and proceeded to trade it for a Cessna 182. Layne flew the 150 to Blythe, Calif. to the meet the seller of the C-182 with a cashier’s check and returned the same day proud to have the new, faster plane. Over the years, Layne flew coast to coast for pleasure or on FICO business, accumulating well over 4,000 hours in the Cessna 182, the FICO Cessna 185, and recently a Cessna 182RG.

I think of Layne as a passionate hunter.

Layne was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who each season took a few days off to go with his Ford pickup with camper to get his deer or javelina. In those days FICO grew a lot of grain for the feedlot, and dove season brought lots of birds which Layne took advantage of with his shooting skills.

I am embarrassed to tell this story because my dad had not bought a hunting license since the 1950s. Every fall, ducks fly south for the winter in Mexico. My dad would scare some ducks up from the irrigation water at the end of a field in the late afternoon. He would call Layne that night to meet him early the next morning. Dad usually knocked down one or two birds. Layne was there to provide the license for hunting the ducks. Dad’s wife Dorothy would have the job of cooking the birds for a foursome dinner within a few days.

Probably my dad introduced Layne to George Parker, a World Class guide and big game hunter. Layne and George became very close friends. George would call Layne up periodically inviting him to visit. Layne’s report of George’s call would go like this, in his bigger than life voice, “Layne, this is George. I need you to come down here to my place so we can have drink and talk.” Layne would say, “Okay, George, I will be there at 5 o’clock.” One time, Layne said George wanted me to come with him. Upon arrival George, again in his bigger than life voice, “By golly Dick, I’m so glad to see you. You should come more often with Layne.”

George and Harlan Carter, first retired chief of the US Border Patrol and then retired head of the NRA, were longtime friends. I assume George introduced Layne to Harlan. After Harlan moved to Green Valley, they became close friends. Layne was a strong advocate of the 2nd Amendment and gun owner’s rights. I am sure his friendship with both George and Harlan occupied many hours of conversations about hunting, the NRA and the 2nd Amendment.

Sometime in the 1980s, Layne told me he had met Ollie Barney, a rancher, home builder, and a lion hunter. Ollie and Layne became hunting buddies. Layne asked me if he were to get a call from a rancher around here to track down a lion killing cattle during the week could he miss a few hours on the farm. I said "absolutely." Do you know in all those years of lion hunting, I think I only called him one time when he was away helping a neighboring rancher protect his cattle.

One day Layne and Juanito Lopez were making one of many efforts to catch a lion for Juanito. Juanito said, “Layne I’m beginning to think the only reason you tell me we can catch a lion for me is so you can eat the burritos I bring.” Layne did finally catch a lion for Juan.

Layne’s passion for hunting took him all over the West, and he traveled to Australia, Argentina, and Africa. Companions on these travels included Ollie Barney, Ollie’s daughter Sherry, John Bassett, and Allen Brandt. This led to Layne’s book, "Lucky Shot," published in 2002. This book of short stories about Layne’s hunting experiences with friends is a must read for anyone who appreciates the outdoors.

Layne was an excellent horseman.

He owned some mules, too. One horse Allen shared with Layne is Slick, a big black quarter horse. I took Slick on the Rancheros ride one year so I can attest to Slick’s abilities. Layne and Allen even put Nan on Slick because he is such a good (baby sitter) horse. One day Layne and I were riding the Rancho Sopori; Layne on Slick and I rode Kay Pasa, a five year old green Arabian mare. We went from near Chavez Siding to the southwest corner in about 9 hours on a nice February day. My mare trotted for the first 30 minutes and then settled down to a fast walk. We crossed several hunters’ gates over some rough country checking dirt tanks and wind mills. That green mare followed Slick and learned a lot that day. We had Layne’s hound dogs in case we crossed a lion track. Layne never carried water with him. By the time we got to the Cow Palace it was 4:30 p.m. I was ready for several big glasses of water and we both enjoyed a Cow Palace hamburger and fries.

Layne was a friend to so many.

Any good cowboy can tell if a horse is gentle by looking at its eye. A good horse is said to have a “kind eye.” Layne had the kindest eyes, and he looked after his friends, when they needed him most.

Layne befriended Ken Ethridge during the flood repair days at FICO. Ken ran lots of cows all over southern Arizona and sometimes in other parts. They were fast friends. Ken’s cowboy was Manual Sanchez, also known as Macho Huerro. Manual was as superb cowboy. He could handle cattle in the most gentle way. After Ken passed away, Layne made sure that Manual was taken care of with a job looking after Layne’s own cattle. Manual passed away and now Layne has been doing the same for another old cowboy, Ernesto Alvarez, Sr. known as Flaco. Layne had a heart of gold helping older people.

Layne always had another project.

About in the year 2000 Layne and Eileen acquired a farm of their own in Cochise, Ariz. I am proud to say it is planted to pecan trees and is producing well.

Layne was also an excellent photographer and we have many photos of his to enjoy.

How will we go on now?

The Bible tells us in Matthew that not even a sparrow falls without our Father in Heaven knowing and caring. Layne Brandt was an eagle. He lifted us all up with his goodness, his humor, his love for his family and for all of us. He showed us how to soar in life, no matter what our circumstances.

And last Thursday he visited Allen and his farm, and flew the route home as he did every week. He saw a mountain lion, and circled over the lush greenery of the Santa Rita Mountains where he had hunted so often. And somewhere near Harte Butte, the man with the big heart met his creator and was lifted up to Heaven.

We all know Layne is up there with his parents, Ken Etheridge, George Parker, Harlan Carter, Keith and Tom Walden, and other dear friends, telling stories and making the angels smile.

No doubt he is surrounded by critters, too, both domestic and wild, that have come to greet him.

Layne left us too soon. But he lived every moment with joy and a sense of wonder. He crammed more into 63 years than anyone I know.

We will carry Layne always in our hearts. His wife, Eileen, and his children and grandchildren reflect his love and his principles.

When we take time to cheer up a friend, or help someone through a rough patch, or say ‘I love you out loud,’ we will honor Layne’s example.

Carrying on without him will be the greatest challenge—for me and for all of us.

But Layne did not like excuses and did not indulge in self pity. No matter what he would consults his colleagues, and then “get her done.”

I want to say to Eileen and the family, “We are here for you always — the friends in this church and around the world who have called and written and cried with us.”

And with God’s grace, and all of you, we will “get her done,” for Layne.

Vaya con Dios, mi amigo!