Stanley Dale Payne

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. Stanley Dale Payne, 63, did not lose a battle with cancer on July 10. He broke free from it and declared his independence of it. He once said he wanted to be remembered as a competitor, and he most certainly was. He rid himself of its ravages at home, beside the view of Cub Lake in Kalkaska County, following days of laughter and conversation of family and friends. Stan was born on November 2, 1950, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. He was one of nine children born to Lawrence Ambrose and Avis Louise (Huntington) Payne. The family lived in Genesee, Pennsylvania, on the border of Western New York State. Stan loved the hills of the Allegheny Mountains, and taught himself to hunt and fish along Cryder Creek and the Genesee River. With some of his own initiative, his brothers taught him the art of making mischief. Stan graduated from Northern Potter High School in 1968. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years in the military, and especially enjoyed his time on The USS Coral Sea, an aircraft carrier. Stan loved his country and enjoyed studying the history of the Civil War and World War II. His time in the Navy fostered a great love of water, and he felt privileged to live near the Great Lakes almost his entire life. On June 10, 1978, Stan married Debra (Kinnicutt) Payne in Bolivar, New York. Six months after their marriage, they moved to Kalkaska, where Stan was offered a position with Midwest Tool & Cutlery’s Forge Division. Stan loved operating a drop forge hammer, and eventually became the facility’s plant manager. Stan believed that when the company placed faith in him, it was imperative to live up to a high standard every day of employment. He could look at a hand tool and judge its quality with a glance. He was very proud that he took a bar of steel and made an American product. Stan never went to college, but he was extremely intelligent, and had a knack for engineering. Stan and Deb were married for 13 years when they were surprised with news of Deb’s pregnancy. Stan proclaimed that the birthday of his son Noah was one of two best days in his life; the other was his wedding day with Deb. Stan loved being a father, and for two years he bought Deb a single rose every week to thank her for giving him a son. Stan was not one for small talk, and he didn’t like to be in crowds, but those fortunate enough to know him well were treated to some quick wit and great one-liners. Stan was most at ease around his family, where he never had to worry about carrying a conversation because of the boisterous nature of their gatherings. He treasured time with them. Stan loved golf, fishing, hunting, birding for raptors on Whitefish Point, rock hunting on Lake Superior and spending time with Noah and Deb. He believed a good cigar was worth the money. He was a devoted New York Yankees fan. He hiked the Grand Canyon twice, and hoped to retire in later life to a trailer in Arizona’s desert country, much to Deb’s chagrin. He enjoyed thunderstorms. He liked all types of music, except country, and he and Deb went to Chicago with Noah and some friends to a heavy metal concert a few years ago. Whatever he chose to do, he did it with all he had. Stan was proud of the fact that he started adulthood with no material wealth; everything he earned, he did with hard work and determination. He was independent, stubborn, honest, and loyal. In addition to Deb and Noah, Stan is survived by his siblings: Larry (Linda) of Leesburg, Florida; Avis Mertsock of Wellsville,New York; Andy of Mansfield, Pennsylvania; Judy (Jerry) Lewis of Whitesville, New York; Barb (Ken) Stewart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Linda (Tim) Scott of Ulysses, Pennsylvania; and Scott (Cindy Chambers) of Bay City, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. In-laws include Dave and Ruth Thompson of Bolivar, New York, and Deb’s siblings and family. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother DeWitt. A memorial service to celebrate Stan’s life will be held later this summer in the area where he spent his younger years and where so much family resides. For now, friends are warmly invited to stop by the Payne home in Kalkaska, smoke a quality cigar, or hit a golf ball in his memory. The family has been humbled and comforted by wonderful people throughout Stan’s illness. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Salvation Army, Heartland Hospice, or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Stanley Dale Payne

November 2, 1950 - July 10, 2014