Clinton Payne
July 24, 1926 - October 13, 2020
Tacoma, Washington - Clinton D Payne passed away peacefully on October 13, 2020 at the age of 94. He was born in Tacoma on July 24, 1926. Dad graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. He immediately enlisted in the Navy and served during WW II. Dad was proud of his service as a gunner on a Navy PBM Mariner seaplane. After leaving the service he married Evelyn (Buness), they were married for 37 years before mom's passing in 1985. Dad had a successful 30 year career as a custom builder in Alaska and Pierce County. After retirement dad married for the second time to Kathy (Hanninen). They were married for 22 years before her passing in 2013.
Dad lived everyday to the fullest and was very active well into his nineties. The adjectives are many: world traveler, snow birder, mountain climber ( 3 continents), hunter, fisherman, river rafter, hiker, artist, craftsman, poet, church founder, church builder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, generous benefactor (over 50 charities), and a proud yet humble Christian. But most of all, dad was a loving, kind and gentle husband, father, and grandfather. As his worldly life slipped away, his last words to his two children were "what a life". Dad was a man from an age that will always be coveted and revered by generations to follow. It has been said by many, his was a "life well lived".
He is survived by his son Doug (Alice), his daughter Karen, and his grandsons Erik and Torey. He is also survived by stepdaughters Jude (Randy) and Vicki (Lee- deceased), step grandchildren Justin, Jessica, and Michele, and two step greatgrandchildren. Clint was pre-deceased by his parents Clyde and Helen Payne, brother Bud, sister Delores, and a host of relatives and friends.
A private graveside service was held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, WA. A celebration of dad's life will be held at a less viral future date. Please consider a donation in dad's memory to a worthy humanitarian charity of your choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
I met Clint about nine years ago when I was in the process of putting together the Images of America book about Fife, where his mother was one of the first two to graduate from Fife High School. I was able to scan the photos from his Peterson family album. He also suggested who else I might contact, and I followed up accordingly. Both Clint and his wife were so welcoming, and Clint took pride in his family's time in Fife.
You folks did an excellent job of capturing who your father was. Hold fast to all of the special memories you have of him!
I also wanted you to know that we have been "featuring" the Peterson family on the Facebook page of the Fife History Museum. Feel free to check it out; you have some relatives who follow this page. In fact, your dad was "featured" yesterday.
Susan Kaelin
Acquaintance
October 26, 2020
What a man. A true friend, Willing, helpful, caring, cheerful, and encouraging. When we were snowbirding together and parted he would say, "see ya on down the road." Until we meet again Clint.
Harley and Clarice Everhart
Friend
October 25, 2020
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more