Thomas Bryan Payne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Thomas Bryan Payne, in his 98th year. Tom passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Trillium Manor in Orillia, with his son Rob and daughter Nancy at his side.

Tom was predeceased by Reta, his loving wife of 60 years. He will be dearly missed by his son Robert (Liz Shaw) and daughter Nancy (Michael Hart). He was a proud grandfather to Blair, Lauren (David Colman), and Kelly (Jason King), and a cherished great-grandfather to Anna, Sarah, and Heather.

Tom was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. He was a gifted athlete, and was a key member of the Merritton Hayes Hellkittens, who won the 1944 Canadian Juvenile Basketball Championship. He was awarded the rotary medal upon graduating from St. Catharines collegiate high school, the only public high school in the city at the time. After high school Tom began working as an apprentice architect before joining Hayes Dana, where he worked in a variety of roles within process engineering. Tom retired at the age of 55 after a dedicated 38-year career.

Soon after retiring, Tom and Reta moved to their cottage at Walker’s Point. Their move from St. Catharines was covered by an article in the local newspaper, a recognition of the impact they made on the city. Never one to sit still, Tom became deeply involved in the local community. He helped develop walking trails at the community centre, volunteered with the Steamship Society, and generously gave his time wherever he saw a need. A talented artist, Tom displayed his artwork in a variety of retail outlets around the Muskoka Lakes and his design currently graces the sign outside the Walkers Point Community Centre. He especially enjoyed visiting friends and clients during his regular “sales calls.”

Above all else, Tom always put family first. His parting words when we visited were often a simple reminder: “Remember, family is everything.”

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Tom’s life will be announced at a later date.