District 88 remembers a former principal, coach and board of education member

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that Don Layne, former Addison Trail Principal, Football Coach and District 88 Board of Education member, has passed away.

Layne served as a teacher in District 88 from 1957 to 1975; was an Assistant Principal from 1976 to 1983; served as Principal of Addison Trail from 1983 to 1993; and was a member of the District 88 Board of Education from 1995 to 2007. He passed away Aug. 11.

“Layne served District 88 for 50 years in every capacity – he was a coach, a teacher, an administrator and a member of our board of education,” said District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton. “His passion and commitment to education, as well as the community of Addison, have impacted the lives of countless children and community members and will never be forgotten.”

District 88 Board President Donna Craft Cain said she remembers being mentored by Layne when she joined the board.

“He touched so many lives and was a pillar not only in District 88, but in the Village of Addison as well,” Cain said. “More than that, he was a wonderful person and friend.”

District 88 Board Vice President Jay Irvin played football under Layne and recalls what he was like as a coach.

“Mr. Layne and I first met in 1966,” Irvin said. “He was my coach, teacher and mentor and became a valued friend. There were no elephants allowed in the room with coach. You always knew where you stood. He was a great leader and a great man. I miss him already.”

District 88 Board Member Thomas Edmier had Layne as his Principal and said he’ll always remember the lively conversations with Layne.

“Layne was a very good friend, neighbor, principal and mentor, whose devotion to and passion for education and community are well documented and appreciated by all those who knew him well,” Edmier said. “He will be sorely missed.”

Layne also was active in the Addison Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), serving as director in 1995. He also served as chamber president in 1997 and 1998. He returned as director in 2001, and in 2009 was elected to the position of treasurer.

“During his years of devoted service to our organization, (Layne) could always be depended upon to carry out whatever assignment or need that had to be addressed,” a chamber news release stated. “As president, his exceptional leadership and organizational skills were of great value in enhancing the vision and goals of the ACCI.”

Layne was a charter member of the Village Substance Responsibility Commission, Addison Trail's Operation Snowball weekend and an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Addison as well, according to the chamber news release.

“He was a leader, a visionary, a mentor and a friend,” said Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra. “Through his commitment and dedication to our community, he helped to define the Addison Advantage.”

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Donald J. Layne Foundation for Education, P.O. Box 45, Addison, IL 60101.