Harry Charles Payne of Qualicum Beach went to be with the Lord on December 8, 2010. He passed away peacefully in his sleep while visiting his daughter and family in California. He was born in Oldbury, England on April 17, 1919. Harry joined the RAF at the age of 15 and served overseas during World War II as an aircraft mechanic. In 1944 he married Elsie Endersby and enjoyed a marriage of 58 years until her passing eight years ago. In 1953 they emigrated to Canada where they raised a family. Harry had a successful career as a mechanical engineer in Canada and the U.S. He and Elsie retired to Qualicum Beach in 1988 and were active members of St. Mark’s Anglican Church. Harry was also a member of the RAF Association for many years. Besides his family Harry enjoyed music, sharing with other the gift of a beautiful voice from boy soprano to melodic baritone. He sang many solos with church choirs and enjoyed singing in musicals such as Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. His great joy in his later years was spending time with his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Harry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings in England and by his loving wife Elsie. He is survived by his daughter Andrea (Brian) Collart of McKinleyville, California and his son the Reverend Ian Payne of Cupar, SK; grandchildren Nicholas (Shannon) Collart, Heather Collart, Joseph (Carla) Trotter (Payne), and Emily Payne; great-grandchildren Rylee and Dylan Collart, Kayla and Gracie Trotter; many nephews and nieces and their families in England and special friends Andy and Gisela, Jean and Rob and Michelle as well as many members of St. Mark’s Anglican Church. Dad was greatly loved and touched many lives with his kindness, gentleness and generosity. We will miss him immensely.
A Funeral Service was held at St. Mark’s, Qualicum Beach on December 18, 2010 with the Ven. Alan Naylor officiating.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to World Vision Canada, 1 World Drive, Mississauga, ON, L5T 2Y4.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.