Robert Charles Payne passed away March 15, 2006.
Robert was born on March 1, 1938 to Helen and George Payne in High Prairie, Alberta and spent his younger years on the farm originally homesteaded by the family.
He left school to work on the railroad and various oil rigs, then went to work for Cody and Arnet Power Construction.
In 1959 he moved to Peace River to work for Northland Utilities as a serviceman.
He married Marie Van Der Mark on May 7, 1960 and they lived in Peace River where their son Dwayne was born May 14, 1961, and their daughter, Roberta, was born August 11, 1962.
In 1964, Robert was transferred to Uranium City in northern Saskatchewan, where he was an active volunteer in Kiwanis, the volunteer fire department, and boys’ Minor Hockey.
He loved the north and was an avid fisherman and curler.
He went to work for Calgary Power in 1969 and the family moved to Evansburg, Alberta.
His daughter, Melissa, was born in nearby Drayton Valley on July 11, 1972.
Robert hired on with B.C. Hydro in 1972 as a lineman, and a short time later the family moved to Williams Lake where he spent the next 25 years hunting, curling, skiing and golfing in his spare time.
In 1997 he retired from service with B.C. Hydro, and filled his leisure time doing woodwork and spending time with his much loved granddaughter Tegan.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Helen, his sisters, Dora and Margaret, and brothers, Bill, Jerry, and Joe.
He leaves behind his wife Marie, son Dwayne, daughter-in-law Thea; daughters Roberta and Melissa; granddaughter Tegan; sisters Elizabeth Sowan and family; and Nora (Sonny) Engelbretson and family; sister-in-law Faye Payne and family; and mother-in-law Mary Van Der Mark and family.
He also leaves behind many other family and friends who will always remember his generous heart and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. There will be no service held, at Bob’s request.