Obituary
Layne grew up in Skokie, married his soulmate Ann, and they later moved to New Jersey. He was a PharmD by training and eventually started his own healthcare marketing company in New Jersey. He was in business until his diagnosis of ALS and then left the company and began advocating for ALS. Layne was a lover of music and the outdoors. He was an avid runner, cyclist and triathlete. He loved trail running with his dogs. He loved going to concerts at Bethel Woods in New York. He loved spending time with his family at their “mountain house” in PA. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and always said his granddaughters were “gorgeous and smart”. If you entered his apartment, you could not leave without looking at the picture of his granddaughters that hung proudly on the wall. He loved his family and friends and always considered himself so lucky in life….regardless of his disease. He was a good guy…a mensch.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (www.ccals.org), NEALS: Northeast Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium (www.neals.org) and Hope Loves Company (www.hopelovescompany.org). Chapel service Tuesday 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to virtually view the service, shiva information and leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Tuesday, April 15th at 10:00 am
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
May 15th, 2025
Some great memories of the boys at the Oliff home . We used to camp with them as our dads were scouts together in their youth into adulthood. We spent many a day hanging out at the Oliff home . I miss Evan and so sad to lose Layne. Both gone way too soon. Both great guys with big hearts just like their parents. Prayers to their momma Sheila and to Layne’s wife & kids and grand kids . May his memory be a blessing 🙏💐
~Rachel Silver-Solger
~My mom n dad were best friends with Jerry and Sheila from the west side of Chicago., Skokie,Illinois
April 16th, 2025
Layne was always such a nice person with a great sense of humor, which made Niles East more fun. May his memory be for a blessing.
~Aarona Cohen-Tesch
~Highschool classmate, Long Grove, IL
April 16th, 2025
I am a friend from Cincinnati, when Layne was a Pharmacy Resident and I was a staff pharmacist. This was in the 1980s. I had lost touch with Layne until the past 2-3 years. I am happy that I got a chance to get caught up with him over a few Zoom calls. He was always positive and an inspiration. I will miss those calls. I am so sad for his loss knowing he will be greatly missed by his wife, family, and friends. We dedicated our Passover Seder to Layne’s memory.
~Bob Smith
~friend, Carmel, IN
April 16th, 2025
I have fond memories of the Oliff family. My parents (Rose & Marv Silver) were best friends with Sheila & Jerry Oliff. We lived one block over from the Oliffs in Skokie. I babysat for Layne, Evan and Reed frequently. Our families went camping together. The Zoom service was simply amazing, so heartfelt. May your beautiful memories of Layne stay near to your hearts and may Layne rest peacefully.
With Much Love,
Sheila Silver-Brown
~Sheila Silver-Brown
~Friend, Wheeling IL
April 15th, 2025
I was on many NEALS phone calls with Layne and always appreciated his deep knowledge, commitment, and helpful spirit as we worked to make clinical trials more patient friendly. He offered so much to all of us in the ALS community, and we will miss him. May his memory be a blessing.
~Sandra Mikush
~PALS, todd, nc
April 15th, 2025
I knew Layne from numerous zoom meetings. He was everywhere I went. FOMO inspired me to expand my ALS advocacy efforts.
Thank you Layne, for the inspiration., Lynn
~Lynn Brielmaier, BSEET & PLWALS
~Zoom, Houston
April 15th, 2025
What a wonderful service! So thankful that it was streamed so that I was able to participate and share in it. My thoughts and prayers will be always with the Oliff family . Layne was a very special person and will always live in the many cherished memories I have of him.
~Paul Adamo
~Friend, Merrick, NY 11566
April 15th, 2025
It is incredible how difficult it was to hear the inevitable. It was such a privilege to have him as a colleague in the ALS community. The impact of his efforts will continue for those of us he left behind and many he will never meet. But from the heart… he will be missed well beyond what I can express here.
~Lisa Galante
~ALS NEALS Colleague, Irvington, New York
April 15th, 2025
We will always remember Layne and all of his wonderful traits of kindness, humor and strength.
Love,
Rita and Jess
~Rita Geller
~Close Friend, CLARK
April 15th, 2025
Layne was an incredible Dad, husband ,grandfather, athlete, patient , person & friend. So so special in every way and has a wonderful legacy with his amazing family . Ann , no better wife and support than you! Layne will be in all our hearts forever,
~Diane & Jerry
~Friend, Westfield NJ
April 14th, 2025
It was a pleasure getting to know Layne through his ALS advocacy efforts. He exemplified fearlessness, courage, passion, commitment and strength. He will be dearly missed. My condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones.
~Elio Peraza
~, Maryland
April 14th, 2025
I heard Layne speak during multiple NEALS meetings in his role as patient advocate and he brought perspective, wisdom and intelligence to the forum that was unique to him. He is not replaceable. I pray that he is at peace.
~Lauren Elman, MD
~Admirer,
Guest Book and Memories
Memorial Yahrzeit Request
You will receive an annual yahrzeit reminder and the associated prayers in an email year.
"*" indicates required fields