Mark Layton of Wilton Manors passed away on August 16, 2015. The long-time South Florida bartender is reported to have died of complications of liver cancer, while awaiting a lifesaving organ.
According to family reports on social media, Layton—whose birthday is August 27—was 48 years old.
“I am devastated,” said Vickie Bennett, co-owner of Beefcakes Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, who knew Layton for nearly 30 years.
“Mark was one of my dearest friends,” she added. “We worked together back in the day at The Hayloft, and he helped me open Beefcakes seven years ago. I’m very upset, and so is everyone who knew him.”
Friends and co-workers posted messages of condolence for the New York State-born Layton and his family.
“Mark, I’m so sorry to hear that you left us all too soon. I have known you for many, many years, and I know that I will always have the great memories that you left me,” commented friend Ron Dunton on Layton’s Facebook page.
“I used to have so much fun with you when you worked at Alibi with me and all our fun nicknames. You will truly be missed,” added former co-worker Bobby Neal Furedi.
Said Bennett: “He was such a wonderful person. He always had something uplifting to say, and he was such a treasure to work with.”
