Dr. Gordon Layton Passes Away at 84

Dr. Gordon E. Layton

Dr. Gordon E. Layton, a prominent Central Kentucky equine veterinarian Thoroughbred breeder and co-owner of Loch Lea Antiques and Loch Lea Farm, died August 28, 2016 at his home in Paris, Kentucky. Layton was 84 years old.

Layton practiced veterinary medicine from 1956 until his retirement following a heart attack in 2008. In 1979, he became the first equine veterinarian in North America to use an ultrasound machine in equine practice to determine early pregnancy status of mares. He served many farms in the Bluegrass, including Claiborne Farm and Runnymede Farm.

Layton and his wife, Lyn, founded Loch Lea Farm in 1964 and the property has been managed by their son, Jim Layton, since 1980. Loch Lea raised many successful Thoroughbreds over the years, including Hall of Famer Bold n' Determined, 1983 Epsom Derby winner Teenoso and, more recently, 2008 champion juvenile filly Stardom Bound (Tapit).

From a family with over 300 years of horsemanship, Layton took pride in never missing a call when he was needed. Layton served on the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, was awarded a Lifetime Membership of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) and received the KVMA Distinguished Service Award.

He graduated Ithaca High School and New York State Veterinary College at Cornell, 1956 with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Layton was born May 26, 1932 in Richford, NY to Norma and Eugene W. Layton, He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn Grant Layton, daughter Margaret Layton, sons James (Enola) Layton and Robert Layton, grandson Patrick (Aubree) Layton, granddaughters Kathleen (Edwyn) Kiely and Olivia Layton, great-grandson James Layton and great-granddaughter Avery Layton.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home and on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. until a celebration of life at 2 p.m.–also at Hinton-Turner. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Hopewell Museum of Paris, Kentucky.

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