Gary Allen Payne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Allen Payne who died peacefully at his daughter Kerri’s residence, on Tuesday March 9, 2021 at 5:16 pm. He was surrounded by his close Family members at the time.

Gary was born on January 14, 1955 in Toronto, to his parents Allen and Irene Payne (pre-deceased). He was a wonderful example of an older brother to Larry (Louisa), Alana (Bruce), Jennifer (Matt), Jeff (Kellie) and AJ (Adrianne).

He was a devoted and beloved husband of almost 50 years to Anne. They resided in Dunchurch Ontario for the past 17 years, on Whitestone Lake, in a house that Gary built for the two of them and their Family.

He leaves behind his son Sean (Brandi), and his daughter Kerri (Davey) all of Innisfil Ontario. He has now been reunited with his late son Ryan, who was also taken from us too soon.

Gary dearly loved all of his grandchildren and leaves behind Emma, Riley, Easton, Aydan, and Tegan who will all miss their “Pa” tremendously.

Gary started his working career with his Father Allen, and brother Larry, in the Transportation industry, however he soon found his true calling, and left the Transportation industry to pursue that calling as a Master Carpenter. Gary could build anything, and he lived by the moto of measure twice, cut once. If you were lucky enough to own something Gary built, you would understand what quality really was, and what “Straight” and “Level” really meant!

“No Payne, No Gain” was Gary’s philosophy and no one lived that better than he did. He worked hard, and he played just as hard! He never understood why anyone would do anything less.

Gary was a very caring person whose desire was to help everyone he would meet. This personality trait made him the excellent sports coach that he was, in both Baseball and Hockey, as he helped to shape and develop the younger generation. He assisted them in becoming more talented at the sports they were pursuing, but more important than that, he helped instill solid character traits that would enable them to succeed far into their adult lives. “No Payne, No Gain” was an important part of his lessons.

In carrying out his tasks as “Road Manager” (or “King of the Road” as he liked to refer to himself… LOL) at home on Whitestone Lake, Gary was always helping everyone. His friends and neighbors have attested to the fact that he “rescued” everyone on the cottage road, and has done so numerous times over the years. He has also “recued” many bad DIY construction jobs over the years by offering up his advice on jobs gone bad. As his friends up north have said “His vast construction knowledge was available to anyone for FREE, all they had to do was ask! If you happened to crack him a beer, he’d tell you how to build a house by the time you were done”! As they so eloquently stated in a message to Anne…” We’re gonna miss him for sure…but we will NEVER forget him”!

The family cannot say enough great things about the Doctors and Nurses who took care of Gary throughout his long battle. His favorite nurse Teresa held a special place in Gary’s heart, and will always hold one in the family’s hearts, for how well she cared for and loved Gary. Anytime Gary was hurting and feeling low, she could put an instant (and huge) smile on Gary’s face! We have a treasure chest full of “Selfies” of Gary and Teresa throughout his ordeal, to look back on and smile! Thank you for that Teresa, you are an angel! Doctor Neary, who was Gary’s family doctor, was amazing throughout Gary’s journey, by always pushing to get Gary the fastest and best treatments. He was the one who diagnosed the cancer in the first place, and without him Gary would not have had the opportunity to even put up a fight, and gain the extra time with his beloved family. We would also like to thank Dr. Zibdawi and Dr. Baguio who treated Gary with dignity and respect from day one, right up until his final day. You both are great examples of what being a Doctor should be. Last but not least is Nurse Chandra and the rest of the staff at the Southlake Hospital who always made Gary feel special, and cared for. Thanks to all of you that cared for Gary during his battle!

The Family will be arranging a “Celebration of Life” for Gary, to be held at a later date, when Covid-19 restrictions will allow. Notice of the Celebration will be distributed in good time, to people to make any necessary arrangements in order to attend the Celebration.

In the meantime, memorial contributions can be sent to; Hospice Simcoe https://hospicesimcoe.ca/ in Gary’s name.