Obituary of Robert William PAYNE

PAYNE, Robert William “Bob” It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Payne on January 29, 2016 at the age of 71. The youngest son of John Redvers and Zella Payne, Bob was predeceased by his brother Don and is survived by his sister Doris Stollings (George Tkach) of Red Deer. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Shelley, children Tammy and Cory (Tara), grandsons Zach and Chaseton, nephew Bruce Stollings (Pam), and niece Lynn Manning (Dean). Born in Trochu, Alberta, on May 22, 1944, Bob shared the limelight of his home town with a unique shoe store – perhaps the catalyst for his penchant of sandals with socks later in life. Bob had great enthusiasm for corny jokes and puns, always motivated by how big a groan he could elicit. A proud central Albertan, he would always remark when passing through Trochu that it was the place where “Zella had a little Payne”. Achieving academic success at an early age – including a Governor General’s award – Bob had his choice of career paths. He chose to article at the firm of McKenzie Sheridan in Red Deer for his Chartered Accountancy, a designation he carried through the remainder of his life. After graduation, instead of pursuing accounting immediately, he fulfilled a challenge in faith and pursued the gospel calling by enrolling in Berean Bible College in Calgary. His bible college training was supported by his accounting profession. Within a couple of years, Bob then transitioned from accounting to his first pastorate in Hanna, Alberta. Bob continued his parallel careers, changing occasionally over the next 40 years between accounting and pastoring. No matter where he was at in his profession, he always stayed close to his passion for sharing the good news of Jesus. Bob would often recount his unusual career path by reminding a questioner of the two certainties in life – death and taxes – and that he had a foot planted firmly in both camps. In his spare time Bob’s passion for gardening was trumped only by a stimulating game of cards, be it Bridge or Crib – a skill he took time to instill with his grandsons. Bob died in San Juan, Puerto Rico during one of his newest-found loves, cruising. With full confidence in his salvation in Christ, Bob’s family comes together to celebrate Bob’s passing to Jesus’ loving arms. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Strathmore Alliance Church (First Avenue and Wheatland Trail) at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory are encouraged to be sent directly to The Mustard Seed (102 11 Ave. SE, Calgary AB, T2G 0X5). To send condolences, please click the link below or email directly to condolences@wheatlandfuneralhome.ca Send Condolences