Marcus Bruce PAINE

PAINE, Marcus Bruce "Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of...and touched the face of God" - John McGee Jr.Marcus Bruce Paine, 61, passed away on August 27, 2016 in Madras, OR performing in an airshow in his Stearman biplane. He was born on November 6, 1954 to Olaf and Marylin Braaten in Moscow, Idaho. After his father's death and his mother's marriage to Luther Paine, the family moved to a homestead in Anchorage. Marcus attended Anchorage public schools, graduated with honors from West High School in 1972.During the mid-1970's during a mission to Somalia as a missionary for the Unification Church, Marcus was imprisoned and was placed in solitary confinement, and was released through the relentless efforts of Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens. In 1981, Marcus graduated from Virginia Military Institute with honors, followed by U.S Army service in Special Forces as an Airborne Ranger and Jumpmaster. Following his military service, Marcus earning his JD at the University of Washington in 1988. He practiced law in Anchorage as a criminal defense attorney. While practicing law his passion of aviation soared. He spent years studying and developing his own theory of aerodynamics. Marcus instructed upset training and stall spin recovery through his company Unusual Attitudes, LLC, sharing his unique theory with pilots in the US and Canada. His experience training pilots in the Kenyan Wildlife Servic was a highlight of his life. He performed in countless airshows throughout the U.S. and Canada in his Stearman, Super Decathlon, Super Cub, and as pilot for Wingwalker Carol Pilon.Marcus' passions included hockey, telemark skiing, and music. He played competitive hockey in senior leagues in Phoenix until his death. A member of the National Ski Patrol, he patrolled regularly at Alyeska.Marcus' relationship with the love of his life, Andrea Knorr, led him to Tucson and Telluride, Colorado where they shared homes together. These were very happy years for Marcus. Marcus was preceded in death by his birth father Olaf Marcus Braaten, and younger brother John Arndt Paine. He is survived by his three children Lucas, Rachel and Thomas, his partner Andy Knorr, his parents Luther and Marylin Paine, his sister Susie (Corey Loyd), bother Brent (Jenni), brother Lindsay (Laura), sister in law Laurence Paine, former wife Gail, and nephews and nieces Scott, Taylor, Kai, Lars, Margot, John and Ella.Marcus was wired with an uncanny ability to achieve the highest and best in whatever endeavor he pursued. He was fondly remembered and left a huge impression on everyone he met.A celebration of Marcus' life will be held in Anchorage on October 23 at the Alaska Aviation Museum and at his airplane hanger at Marana Regional Airport in Marana, AZ on November 6. Marcus was fond of saying, "It is what it is." His calm quiet strength in accepting what life brings is a testament and comfort for those who mourn his passing.Please share memories and condolences at https://www.facebook.com/marcusbpaine . Memorial contributions can be made to the Marcus Paine Memorial Fund for Thomas Paine, c/o Rachel Paine, 8437 SE 77 Ave, Portland, OR 97206