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William Payden Obituary
A true renaissance man, he was equally at home in a newsroom, classroom or boardroom.
William R. Payden died Wednesday, June 5 at his Santa Monica home in the company of his family.
A lifetime of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm led Mr. Payden to his wide ranging varied interests in music, cinema, sports, philanthropy, and aviation.
Mr. Payden was born in Port Chester, N.Y. Jan 19, 1935 the son of Joseph and Mary R. Payden. The family lived in Jakarta, Indonesia while his father represented Union Carbide Corp. in Southeast Asia. Mr. Payden had been around the world twice by the time he was seven years old.
The family returned to New York where Mr. Payden attended elementary and high school. His interest in the performing arts began at an early age as he was writing film and radio scripts for his own enjoyment at the age of 10.
He attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated as a journalism major from the University of Colorado. He later made a major gift to the university to fund an endowment for Teaching Excellence in Journalism. "I thought, wouldn't it be nice to present an award for teaching excellence. That's an area that is sometimes overlooked," he said.
Following graduation, Mr. Payden was a reporter and feature writer for the Mamaroneck, N.Y. Daily News. He came to Southern California in 1959 and first worked in public relations for Douglas Aircraft Corp. Subsequently, he was among the first civilian public relations coordinators for the Los Angeles Police Department. He also was a public relations associate with a world wide architectural firm, and public relations director for the San Fernando Valley Board of Realtors.
After receiving a master's degree in American studies from California State University Los Angeles, Mr. Payden's career turned to education. He was a journalism professor at Los Angeles Valley College and Chair of the media arts department of LAVC. Mr. Payden is co-author of "Observations on Mass Media." After retiring from college teaching in 1990, he founded the consulting firm of The Reynolds Communications Group in Santa Monica.
A pianist, he has recorded three CDs. His home is a virtual small museum, housing his collection of sports memorabilia, aviation and an extensive film library. Mr. Payden also maintained a collection of classic automobiles.
His memberships include the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Society of Professional Journalists and the Hollywood Radio and Television Society. He was an officer of two private foundations to benefit educational and vocational programs.
He is survived by his sister, Joan A. Payden, of Santa Monica.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, June 10, at 11:00AM at St. Sebastian Church in West Los Angeles. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Los Angeles.
Donations in his memory can be made to Doctors without Borders or LA Missions.
Gates, Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors-Santa Monica.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Payden
Bruce Hull
October 8, 2017
The last time I saw Bill Payden was in 1970, when he delivered a short commencement address at my high school graduation. A more important connection with him occurred earlier in the classroom, where Mr. Payden instilled students with his own passion for literature. Whether his topic was the decline of Aschenbach in "Death in Venice," or the dramatic structure found in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Mr. Payden had the unusual talent of stimulating high school sleepwalkers such as me to a higher level of interest and thought. Together the class explored and discussed the deeper meanings of what many students initially regarded as dreary foreign authors.
My high school career did not have many inspiring instructors, but people like Bill Payden, Curtis Miller, and Jane Nielson motivated me to want to know more. Oddly, I was not initially conscious of their achievement. It was only when I entered the university and shed my indifference to education that I fully appreciated the foundation they had given me.
Thank you Mr. Payden, Mr. Miller, and Mrs. Nielson. I haven't seen or talked to any of you for over 45 years, but I still carry a part of each of you within me to this day.
April 12, 2014
Dear Joan, I just learned of Bill's passing, I am sad.
We all had such good,happy times. Love,
Barbara (Smith) Isabelle
Tami Samples
November 5, 2013
Joan
I just learned of Bill's passing. It hit me hard as I drove to school. I so could not hold back the tears. I am now a high-school teacher who would have never been if not for Bill's constant verbal support. I met Bill during my first year of college and I worked for him in the journalism department as his secretary. I fell in love with him. I remember the time we bought his cat Little Nealy McPayden. I could not keep him so I talked Bill into taking him. The rest is history they become very close. Bill and I were together for two-years and he has made me the woman I am today. I did get a chance to talk to him nearly 20 years from the day I left Cali. I got the chance to thank him and tell him that yes I made it happen I had three children and I went back to school and received my degree in English Literature. I was just a poor uneducated girl from Kentucky when I met Bill and I didn't have much confidence in myself. He always gave me that laugh and silly look that could make you feel like you could accomplish anything. He was a gift in my life a beautiful man whom showed me that you can achieve anything no matter where you come from. I will miss him till I too leave this world. Love Tami
Patrick Leyden
August 15, 2013
It has been 43 years since I attended Agoura High and I have difficulty even recalling the names of some of my teachers, however not so with Bill Payden, my journalism teacher. Even after more than 4 decades, I easily remeber his wonderful nature being an excellent teacher.
Meg
June 20, 2013
Bill, I'm so glad you are finally at peace, but I miss you so much and I always will...I love you my dear cousin and I thank you for the gift of your life. You were wonderful...
Jim B
June 19, 2013
I had the great pleasure of dealing with Bill the past seven years with items for his beloved Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Lakers. I could not have dealt with a classier guy. We had many great talks about sports, politics and whatever was on his mind. A great human being who I have missed chatting with these past several months while he was fighting.God Bless you Bill ! RIP and my condolences to your family. Jim- The Highland Mint
You will be sorely missed.
Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM
June 17, 2013
Joan - We were sorry to learn of Bill's death. Bill was a faithful supporter of aging men and women religious. He showed his heartfelt compassion and prayerful concern for elderly Sisters, Brothers and Priests through his generosity to SOAR! You are in my prayers.
Melinda Williams Stensrude Hunter
June 14, 2013
Dear Joan, your brother, Bill Payden, was my journalism teacher at Agoura High School in 1966-68. He was an incredible teacher, one I've never forgotten after all these years. He was a very good friend of my former spouse, Curt Stensrude, so I also had the opportunity and pleasure to know him on a personal level. Bill was so talented yet humble about his accomplishments. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, we have lost a most remarkable man. Melinda Williams Hunter formerly from CO, now in Las Vegas, NV
Mike MacIsaac
June 12, 2013
RIP cousin Bill. Thank you for being a positive force in my life. I'll remember you as a smart, generous, funny and kind man. All our love - Mike, Tere & Emma MacIsaac
Bob Crosby
June 11, 2013
Joan, I just learned of Bill's passing. I am so sorry and I want to extend my sympathy to you. I know how close you were. I worked with Bill for more than 10 years and valued his counsel as well as humor and his generosity. Rest in Peace Bill.
Sister Anncarla Costello
June 10, 2013
Dear Joan,
All of the Sisters of Notre Dame join you in praying for your dear brother. Blessings of strength and peace for you, too!
Bill & Christina Perez
June 10, 2013
Rest in peace !
David Griffey
June 10, 2013
Dear Joan, My deepest sympathy. I know how very close you and Bill have been throughout the years and I know the void that will be created in your life. Since this last journey of his life began I have prayed for you both every night that Bill be comforted from pain and that you be comforted in you grief. If I can ever be of help to you in any way please do not hesitate to call upon me. Love, David
June 9, 2013
Bill - Larger than life; gone too soon. A man with enormous generosity of spirit and kindness of heart. He appreciated kind gestures, and expressed his gratitude with genuine sensitivity. Through the years, in good times and bad, our friendship never waivered. Bill holds a special place in our hearts. We will miss him greatly, and remember him always. Rest in peace Bill.
Peter and Patti Bardwick
Peter Brandt
June 9, 2013
As a photojournalist major at L.A. Valley College in 1973, I had to take journalism classes. Bill's class helped me become a better photographer. His belief in the solid 5W's, helped me understand how a photograph should also tell the story. He always told us to read everything, including the National Enquirer, and praised them for there in-depth reporting. At that time, they had never been sued!
I did not realize how much this would help me in my later career. I will never forget him
Ray Weber
June 8, 2013
Dear Joan, I extend my most heartfelt condolences to you. I always thought of Bill as my brother. He was always so kind and thoughtful and generous. I am very saddened by his passing and will miss him dearly. I know his faith was strong and I am sure he is in a better place now and free of pain. Rest we'll my friend.
Lisa Dankers
June 8, 2013
My dear Bill
There are few in this world like you. Your kind and sensitive spirit. No matter how many days, weeks or months had passed between phone calls or visits whenever we talked I left feeling so refreshed and uplifted. We could talk about anything and you were always willing to listen. I will miss my friend dearly. I know you are with the Lord safe and out of pain. I will not say goodbye only I will see you again. Forever love
June 7, 2013
While I was driving in the car Wed afternoon the latin hymn "Ave Verum Corpus" came on the radio.
This was my brother larry's favorite latin hymn so couldn't help but think Bill and Lar are together now. Two brilliant men. Rest in peace sweet Bill Ginny
Chris Preimesberger
June 7, 2013
RIP Bill Payden, 1935-2013. One of my favorite journalism professors at L.A. Valley College, where I learned more about the reality of the profession than anywhere else. Bill was knowledgeable, candid, and always had a positive attitude. Credibility unquestioned. A lot of journalists owe him big time. He'll be missed.
Rich Gagnon
June 7, 2013
Joan and family, I am on travel back in the Boston area and extremely saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great person and I will very much miss our impromptu discussions involving politics, the stock market, and especially Notre Dame sports! My heartfelt and most sincere condolences.
Susan Dost
June 7, 2013
Bill was a man that knew how life was meant to be lived. He was truly brilliant, kind and generous. I will miss him, his laughter and his uninhibitated way of living. ~susan dost
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