Francis Layton Rice passed away October 22, 2008. He was affectionately known as “Huck” by old family and friends.
Huck was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Camino Rice, parents Marshal and Frances Rice, brother Beril Rice and sister Beulah Rice Podstata. He is survived by his daughter Lois Rice Vennum (Walt) of Sebastopol, CA, granddaughter Joy Fischer of Seattle, WA and niece and nephew Joan Parsons and Harvey Podstata (Judy) both of Santa Rosa, CA, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
A native of Gilroy, Huck was active in community service throughout his life. Those include, Gilroy Volunteer Fire Dept. of which he was secretary for a number of years. He was a life long member of the Gilroy Elks Lodge and a past Exalted Ruler. A member of the Gilroy Library Board and was a past president of The Mirror Club, a public speaking group.
Huck worked for Ramezane Brothers Grocer after high school and eventually joined Coast Counties Gas and Electric in 1936. Coast Counties eventually became Pacific Gas and Electric from which he retired from in 1975.
His lifelong interests were football, baseball, skiing, pack trips in the Sierra Nevada, theater, music and travel throughout the world.
Huck’s vivacious personality will be missed by all who knew him. A Vigil Service will be held 7:00 P.M. Tuesday Oct. 28th at Habing Family Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass begins 1:00 P.M. Wednesday Oct. 29th at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Donations may be made in memory of Layton Rice to The Breast Cancer Network of Strength contact Joy Fischer, (877) 963-7223 Ext. 2736.
