Explaining Lay-off

I was recently laid off - I worked in corporate finance within a very well respected private oil company that is prepping for doomsday. I've started putting some feelers out there and will def. get some opportunities (or at least a chance to show my face and have an informal interview) as a result of the brand name of where I worked, just need to deal with the lay-off.

How do interviewers generally deal with layoffs? I know if I was sitting on the other end of the table, I'd want to know why you were laid off and would want a damn good reason, unless the company got rid of everyone....and frankly I would personally prob. write this person off...

Truth is I'd been a bit disgruntled for a while and was very open with boss about this (pay, advancement, etc.) and had a tragedy in the family that pulled my attention about 6 months prior to this

I imagine the best tactic is to just blame it on the downturn in oil and move on? I know getting deep into a full explanation is def. not the way to go and will sound negative / like an excuse.

Any thoughts or past experiences would be much appreciated.