SALEM — Gary J. Payne, 68, died in Mass General Hospital after a brave struggle with heart disease. He was taken into God's loving arms on Sunday, Feb 15, 2009. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Chaput) Payne.
Gary was born Feb. 7, 1941 in Manchester, Conn., the son of the late Merrill A. and Anelia (Brazaukas) Payne. He graduated from Braintree High School, Braintree, and Castleton State College, Castleton, Vt. From 1965 to 1968 Gary served in the U.S. Army in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Mr. Payne pursued a career in the insurance industry and worked throughout New England. In 1979 Gary and his family settled in Windham, Maine while he was employed by Morse, Payson, and Noyes of Portland, Maine as a claims supervisor. He later joined Ringler Associates of Newport Beach, Calif. and opened an office in Portland, Maine, before moving it to Windham, Maine where he worked as an annuity broker for more than 20 years until his retirement.
Gary was a former resident of Salem. He lived in Windham, Maine for 10 years and Standish, Maine for 20 years. He and his wife also had a winter residence in Englewood, Fla.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis (Chaput) Payne originally of Salem, his daughter Christine Koza and her husband Michael, and their sons, Brendan and Dylan of Raymond, Maine, two sons, Bryan Payne and his wife Alison (Faucher) and their children, Samuel and Abigail of Tampa, Fla., and Kenneth Payne and his fiance Amber Blasi of Ft. Collins, Colo., a brother, Ronald Payne and his wife Mary and their son Michael of Dracut, a sister, Marilyn Roe and her husband Peter and their son Aaron Bos and his wife Brynne and their daughter Arwen Bos of Memphis, Tenn., a brother-in-law, Raymond Chaput and his wife Patricia of Savannah, Ga., a sister-in-law, Janet Zwinski and her husband Thomas of Springfield, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Gary's life from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in the Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, Maine. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062. The burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Gary's favorite charity, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at the address above. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.BerubeFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dan Siegrest
March 15, 2009
Bye Gary,
Thank you for organizing the last Family Reunion. I didn't make the other 2 that I know about but you made the 3rd one happen so my daughter Jillian could meet everyone on this side of the family.
I have said words as prayer for angels to watch over you although they already are. Peace be with you. Be in light. Amen.
Jeff Wax
February 28, 2009
I've many fond memories of Gary which are indelibly burned in my heart forever. Thank you Gary for your friendship, support and kindness. I will truly miss the radiance of your smile and your infectious sense of humor.
Jackie/Jerry Babineau
February 28, 2009
Dear Phyllis and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. Gary was a special person and will truly be missed by all!
Babineau Family
Karen & Mike Durkin
February 27, 2009
Ron, Mary, Phyllis and family,
God certainly blessed all of us with Gary.He was so warm and passionate about life. He gave us many fond memories in Maine and Florida. Our hearts are filled with prayers for all of you. Lots of love,
Bob and Nancy Knight
February 27, 2009
Dear Phyllis and children, our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Your precious memories of all of your family times together will see you through. Gary lived his life, fully and well. God be with you.
Mark Anthony Russo
February 26, 2009
To my Youngest Brother Gary, We will never tell Phyllis and Lindajean what we did in the garage while grilling supper. :) Love to all. Mark Lindajean and Zack
TOM PEACOCK
February 26, 2009
TO PHYLLIS, CHILDREN AND BORTHER RON AND SISTER MARILYN,
I WAS SORRY TO READ IN THE PAPER OF GARY'S PASSING, HE WAS A REAL NICE MAN AND I ENJOYED NOT ONLY HIM BUT HIS WHOLE FAMILY FROM OUR DAYS AT SALMON POINT, WE HAD A MANY A GOOD LAUGH AND MEMORIES WITH WINDY, NELLIE AND THE PAYNE FAMILY. I ENJOYED THE TIMES I SPENT IN PHOENIX VISITING MY MOM AND DAY AND PLAYING GOLF WITH GARY, HIS DAD AND UNCLE REED. I HAVE THIS VISION OF GARY, WINDY, NELLIE MY MOM AND DAD AND ALL THE SALMON POINT GANG LAUGHING AND HAVING SOMETHING COLD TO DRINK ASKING ABOUT EVERYONE ON THIS SIDE OF THE FENCE. I KNOW THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND MONTHS WILL BE HARD BUT WE MUST REMEMBER LIFE ON THIS SIDE IS TEMPORARY AND LIFE IN HEAVEN IS ETERNAL AND GARY RESTS IN THAT ETERNAL PEACE.
MAY JESUS COMFORT YOU ALL AND YOU WILL BE IN THE PEACOCK FAMILY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Dana and wendy Morton
February 26, 2009
Dear Phyllis and Family,
Thanks for making us feel like part of your family. We have many memories of fun times together. We will miss Gary and our thoughts are with you and your family.
Fondly,
John Dyhrberg
February 26, 2009
Dear Phyllis,
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Gary's passing. While it has been quite a while since our paths had crossed, his warm smile and gracious countenance are vivid memories. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sandy MacPeek
February 26, 2009
Gary was a dear friend with a love for life that was inspirational. A helpful and ever thoughtful presence. Always offering his support while I was involved in Southern Maine Claims and in everyday insurance business, as a friend. In this life, he chose to "dance"...Rest well, friend...surrounded by angels...
Marilyn Gargiulo,Concord Group Ins
February 26, 2009
To the Payne Family -
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary was a wonderfully kind and generous person and will be missed greatly. I was so glad to have known him and learned much from working with Gary over the years.
Peg Byrnes
February 26, 2009
Phyllis and Kids,
Even though tears are blurring my eyes, I can still see that cure blond little boy of so many years ago! Running up and down the aisles of a Hartford theater when his mother and I were trying to watch a movie! I have so many happy memories of "Hopkins Street" and Manchester. Those were the good years!!
Peg
Julie Landry
February 25, 2009
My mom, sister and I had a few laughs remembering your family from the Long Lake in Bridgton Days after reading Gary's Obit. Rest in peace Gary My dad, Dick and Uncle Tom Foley will be sitting on the beach having scotch and ice cream and waiting for you to stop by with a new joke or neighborly laugh! Phyllis and family - our condolences to you all.
edward mason
February 25, 2009
It was a pleasure to have known Gary. Rest in peace
sincerely
Ed & Dot Mason
Windham, Maine
Leesburg, Fla
Kurt and Katie Taylor
February 25, 2009
Phillis,Ken,Chris and Brian May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Gary was a insparation to Ken and I, and I thank him. He was allways a kind man. He will be missed.
Carol Nowajewski
February 25, 2009
Phyllis, I will miss your yearly visit to Bacon's furniture in Port Charlotte, Fl. when you and Gary would stop in to say hi, and we would catch up. Gary was a good man, public spirited and caring - as are you. He will be missed. God will hold all of you in his hand and get you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Carol Nowajewski & Family. (ex maine residents)
Paul and Judy Horn
February 25, 2009
To the Payne Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Both Judy and I consider it a pleasure to have known him. May God continue to hold you in His arms of comfort and peace knowing that one day we will be reunited with those whom we have loved and lost.
Judy and Paul Horn
Sandy Narcotta-Kelly
February 25, 2009
I graduated from Braintree High School , in Braintree, Mass. with Gary in 1959. We did not meet again until our 45th class reunion. My husband and I sat with Gary and his friend and classmate Ed. Scolomiero and had a delightful time. Gary told me he had lived in the North Country since 1979 and I shared that I had moved to Maine the same year...It was a nice evening and a nice remember when. My husband and I were glad we had that chance to spend with him.
I am so sorry for your loss..
Russ Marston
February 24, 2009
Phyllis, Chris & family, our deepest sympathy, will sorely miss Gary, great man, great times with all of you
Russ & Linda Marston
Arthur Pelletier
February 24, 2009
I met Gary about twenty five years ago. Always a professional and always had time for a story. A great guy. His family should be very proud of him. I always associated "structured settlements" with Gary Payne. I last saw Gary at a Southern Maine Claims Association summer outing about five or six years ago. As usual, I went over to chat and have a laugh. He always stood out. I'll miss him.
Judy Dolan
February 24, 2009
Hello Phyllis,
Bill & I were so sorry to hear of Gary's death. We remember you both with good thoughts.
Please, take care. Our best to you & all your family. Fondly, Judy
Richard Day
February 24, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Michelle
February 24, 2009
Dear Phyllis and kids, So sorry for the loss of your Husband and Dad. You were a big part of my life for a long time and I am happy to have known Gary..He was 1 of a kind. Glad I stopped in to see you a few years back, but wish I had stayed in touch more.
Love Michelle
Linda and Roland Nadeau
February 24, 2009
Dear Phyllis, Christine, Bryan, Kenneth and your families, Our sincere sympathy for your loss, we wish you comfort and peace. Remembering you in our prayers, Linda and Roland Nadeau
Bryan Payne
February 24, 2009
Dad, be sure to say hi to Grandma and Grandpa, Mem and Pep, Aunt Florance and Uncle Albert, Uncle Joe, Uncle Paul, Aunt Flocce, Zack, Everett, Aunti Ruth, Uncle Reid and Aunti Pat, Uncle Paul Payne and any others I have missed. We love and miss you all.
Abby, Sam, Alison and I will be fine. Be not afraid. We don't know the direction in which we are driving, we don't know how long it will take to get there, all we know is where we are going and we know who is driving the bus and that is enough. We'll sit back and enjoy the ride. We will see you when we get there.
You are a great Father, a great husband and my pal. I shall be with you in spirit, forever.
In ever loving gratitude,
Bryan
(813)267-4230
Sharon Rousseau
February 24, 2009
Dear Phyllis and Family,
May you find Peace in the memories that you all have of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Gary was a wonderful man who made everyone feel so welcome. He was a pleasure to be around. He gave a good fight right till the end. He is now at peace in the Lord's hands. Bless all of you.
Love,
Sharon and Mike Rousseau and family
In Honor of Our Veterans
February 24, 2009
Mr. Payne, thank you for your service to our country, and God Bless America.
David Leen
February 24, 2009
Gary you will be missed by all your friends. Gary was a real MENSCH and a good person always ready and willing to help others in need. May his memory be a blessing to his family
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