George Layh was unassuming, gentle & quiet, but one had only to drive past his house on Bismark Avenue to realize that he was equally eccentric, self-reliant & individualistic. George’s front yard collection – acquired at auction sales or nuisance grounds – include taxidermy specimens, antique toys, woodcarvings or what many would have simply called “junk”.
George farmed four miles northeast of Marchwell. Although he never married George had a obvious affinity for children & sincere concern for wildlife. In 2002 he gifted a quarter section of land along Smith Creek to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation as a non-hunting preserve for wildlife.
George was also well known in Langenburg for his little re convertible car, a frequent entry in parades where he insisted on being the last entry before the parade marshal. He gave his little red car & an initial gift of $5,00 to the Family & friends Community Foundation to create the LITTLE RED CAR FUND FOR KIDS.
Before his death in 2005 George repeatedly said he wanted to build something to leave to the community, particularly for children. He eventually decided on funding an expansion to the Langenburg theatre. He generously donated $300,000 towards theatre renovations & expansion, as a result the theatre is now called the GEORGE LAYH THEATRE.