Obituary of Herbert Payne

Herbert "Neil" Payne was born October 25, 1930, in Leverington, Cambridgeshire, England, to Nellie and Percy Payne. After finishing grade school and completing his compulsory National Service in the British Army, Neil attended teachers' college and trained to become a Physical Education instructor. He began his teaching career in 1952. In 1956, Neil married Sheila Yates and they had two children, Richard and Sally. Seeking greater opportunity, Neil and his young family emigrated to Canada in 1966, where he took a teaching position in Clavet, Saskatchewan. Two years later, the family moved to Cold Lake, Alberta, when Neil began working for the Department of National Defence as a teacher on the air force base. In 1972, Neil and the rest of the family proudly became Canadian citizens. In the mid-nineteen seventies, Neil took a year's sabbatical leave from teaching and earned a Masters degree at the University of Alberta. He wrote his thesis on the history of Physical Education in Edmonton Public Schools. A further move to Vancouver Island followed in 1981, and Neil finished his teaching career working for the Nanaimo School District. Neil enjoyed traveling and was very active in coaching, especially track and field events, both through school and with the Nanaimo Track Club. An avid reader and history buff, Neil also derived great pleasure from listening to music. Many a weekend morning was spent listening to classical music reverberating throughout the house, because it "needs to be turned up in order to be fully appreciated!" In retirement, Neil dabbled in "renovating" and frequently moved, adopting what he referred to as a "gypsy" lifestyle. In 2003, Neil suffered a major stroke, and never fully regained the mobility he once enjoyed. Over time, Neil moved into a nursing home on Vancouver Island and eventually transferred to supportive living in and around Camrose. He spent the last fifteen months living at Viewpoint cottage and enjoyed the compassionate help of the staff who work there. Neil passed away on December 2, 2011, at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his parents, and by his first wife Sheila in 1988. Neil is survived by his daughter Sally (Ron), his son Richard (Nancy), two grandchildren, Stewart and Lauren, and by his wife Carol of Parksville, B.C. He also leaves to mourn his sisters June and Janet and their families. Neil will be forever remembered. A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Heart & Stroke Foundation.