Jack Randall Payne
June 24, 1937 - January 28, 2019
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Jack Randall Payne
June 24, 1937 - January 28, 2019
Obituary
Jack Payne, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28th after suffering a stroke.
Jack was born in Bellingham to Randall and Velma Payne, their firstborn of two sons. He attended Campus School at WWU and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1955 where he played baseball and basketball and found that being a lefty was a plus. His family had a place on Lake Whatcom and as a young boy and teenager Jack loved to waterski and fish with friends, participate in camping programs at The Firs and explore the outdoors bird hunting, fly fishing, hiking and camping. Jack was also a keen Boy Scout who learned wilderness survival and came just shy of becoming an Eagle Scout.
After high school Jack attended the University of Washington, joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and played basketball for the Huskies. He was in the Army ROTC throughout university and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1959.
After university he served active duty as an Officer in the Transportation Corps at Fort Eustis, Virginia where he learned how to run a locomotive. He continued his military service as a Reservist Officer in the 448 Civil Affairs Unit in Bellingham earning the rank of Captain. Upon completing his active duty service, Jack moved back to Bellingham and joined his father as a life insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual Life of Milwaukee where he worked until he retired.
Jack met his wife, Marlene, at The Firs where they were both on summer staff in 1959. They were married in 1961 and made their home in Bellingham on Lake Whatcom where they raised their three children.
As a young man Jack remained active as an athlete and outdoorsman. He played competitive volleyball and church league basketball, went on alpine hikes with Marlene and other couples, and climbed Mt. Baker by moonlight. He was such an avid outdoorsman that he was one of the first 500 members of REI. He spent every family holiday outdoors teaching his children to hunt, fly fish, and alpine hike.
Jack was a committed long term volunteer in the community. He was a Rotarian for over 50 years and served on the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation Board and the Downtown Development Committee. He was also a member of Birchwood Presbyterian Church and served on the Firs Council.
As Jack neared retirement, fly fishing became his main passion. He never turned down an invitation to go fishing! He made beautiful custom fly rods for friends and family, tied his own flies and taught many people, including all of his seven grandchildren, how to fly fish. Through fishing he connected with people, created lasting friendships, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and caught lots of fish- most of which he released again after noting their size and appreciating their beauty.
Jack was a quiet and gentle man: committed, loyal, helpful and kind. He loved hosting family and friends, always getting up early to make a big breakfast. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. He is predeceased by his parents Randall and Velma and grandson Colin. Jack will forever be cherished and remembered by his wife Marlene, brother David (Diane), children Scott (Claudia), Laura (Walt), and Randall, and by his grandchildren Romy, Jonathan and Aaron, Chad, Andrew and Charlie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 pm at Birchwood Presbyterian Church at 400 Meadowbrook Ct., Bellingham, WA with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Firs Conference Center.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Birchwood Presbyterian Church
- Location: 400 Meadowbrook Court Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-8860
5 responses to Jack Randall Payne
Mercedes Maldonado says:
January 28, 2019
During this difficult time, I hope you always hold onto the warm and wonderful memories you shared together, and that they continue to bring you and your entire family comfort and peace. May the words of 1 Peter 5:7 “while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” bring the entire family comfort and strength. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Janet Marie Henriksen says:
January 28, 2019
After my father, Marvin Payne, passed away, Jack and Marlene opened their home for us to visit. We had such a lovely time. He shared his memories of my father, things we had not heard before. I didn’t get to know Jack well, but my impression of him was that He loved the Lord and cared about people.
Tim M Fisher says:
January 28, 2019
To Marlene and Family,
In the event that tomorrow’s weather postpones Jack’s memorial service, I want to take this time to let you know how saddened I was to hear about Jack passing away and I am so sorry that I could not visit him prior to his passing.
Jack was my mentor who guided and educated me on to becoming a successful insurance and financial representative and to this day I am ever so thankful to him. He was also instrumental to me in joining his local Rotary club which, after 22 years, I am still a passionate member.
Jack was special…He and I shared an office for 25 years and had many outstanding lunches together and attended a few memorable sporting events. When Jack retired, I really missed my weekly conversations we had about life in general, conservative politics and spiritual well being. His family, all the extended family members and especially the grandchildren, were the love of his life. He was so proud when he spoke about his family and enjoyed sharing those special moments with me regarding the achievements accomplished by each member of his family. He also loved talking about his fishing and hunting adventures he had with his family and friends. He was so happy to retire and move with Marlene to the house on Lake Chelan.
Jack was a quite, morale and ethical man that had a Big!!! heart to share with anyone who came in contact with him. I am very fortunate to have met Jack when I did and shared my life with him for 25 years. He was a special friend to me and I will miss him.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Tim Fisher
Cindy Piccolo says:
January 28, 2019
To Marlene and your family may memories of the laughter and Love you shared bring you peace now and always. Our prayers to you and the family. Love Kent (Milt) Miller and Cindy Piccolo
Susan Barron says:
January 28, 2019
Living so far away in PA, I was so glad Scott and Claudia lived here awhile and I got to know them and visit with Jack and Marlene when they came to see them. Jack was a piece of my Dad to me, because the Payne family was small. We shared the same Savior and fellowship was sweet.
Sending love and prayers to all of you. May your family circle be unbroken on heavens shore.