Tom Payne

1949 - 2017

Tom Payne Tom Payne, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away peacefully in his home In Parkland, on October 1, 2017; He was 67 years old. As Tom was managing his congestive heart failure and COPD, he remained active in his interests as he was able, including business, the Tug Comanche Foundation, and community friendships. He married Bonnie Patterson in 1970. They had three children: Leigh, Shaunnie Rebecca, and Amelia. They had a long marriage and were separated in 2002. In 1986, Tom established Central Western Railway in Canada. CWR eventually became RaiLink, earning him the title of "the Father of Shortline Railways" in Canada. In 1995, Tom acquired the Reading 2100 steam engine, restoring it to run, and eventually moving it to Tacoma, Washington, where it ran for season. Fall of 2005, Tom moved to Garfield Street in Parkland. In 2007, he became involved in the preservation and operation of the historic ocean-going World War II 143' USN rescue tug and Coast Guard Cutter, the historic museum ship COMANCHE. He was its chief engineer. Tom considered the Garfield Street his home and passed away there surrounded by friends. The neighborhood intends to have an annual 'Tom Payne Day" when everyone dresses up in their coveralls and engineer hat! Tom leaves a legacy in the railway world, and in the lives of people who sat listening to his stories and instruction. He is survived by his son Leigh Payne, and daughter Amelia Birch (Sean Birch); sisters Alice and Elizabeth Payne, and 6 grandchildren, all of Canada. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shaunnie Rebecca. As per his wishes, his family will establish a trust in his name, to eventually go towards work in Africa. The Tug Comanche Foundation will also be accepting donations for their engine fund in his name. A gathering for friends and family will occur in Alberta in November 2017, and a memorial and scattering of his ashes will occur off the tug Comanche in spring 2018.