Christopher D. Layba

Christopher David Layba, age 29, of West Lafayette and formerly of Portage, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017. He was born on December 3, 1987 in Nyack, NY. Chris was a 2007 graduate of Portage High School and went on to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Chicago. His greatest passion in life was cooking. He was full of life and enjoyed camping and hiking with his friends. He was an avid fan of all Chicago sports teams and was happy to see the Cubs finally win the World Series. He will always be remembered as a dedicated son, brother, uncle and friend.

Chris is survived by his adoring mother, Kelly (Jeffery) Jean; his brother and best friend, Richard Layba, Jr.; sister, Nicole (Aaron) Poe; nieces, Kayleigh and Maci Poe; nephews, A.J. and Erik Poe; beloved pets, Chuckie, Nala, Krackers and Jazzman; special friends, Dan Franz, Tyler Rosenbaum; Dana and Jose; too many other loving family members and friends to list.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 24, 2017 at 6:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341, Central Ave., Portage. Visitation for Christopher will be Friday from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. For more information, please call 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.