Layne “Lanny” Sprout, a retired University of Delaware security officer, died Sept. 11. He was 66.

Mr. Sprout joined UD in 1988 and retired in 2010. He worked the night shift – from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. – for many years.

David Bartolf, retired sergeant in Public Safety, recalls Mr. Sprout as a private person. “He was happy to come to work, perform his job, help his fellow employees and go home at the end of the day... no fanfare or praise was required,” Bartolf said.“Lanny had the strongest handshake I have ever encountered; a result of years as a fisherman, pulling nets onto the boat by hand.

“He was proud to serve in the Vietnam War. His stories of the war were never focused on the horrors that he witnessed, but focused on the fun he had when his unit was on leave. His life experiences allowed Lanny to give sound advice to others. He was usually right.

“I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was my coworker and friend. He will be missed,” Bartolf said.

Mr. Sprout, a resident of Elkton, Maryland, was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam era.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia. Services were private.

Condolences may be left online.