Monday, November 13, 2023
I've known the Payne Family since the early 1970's and Doug remains one of my closest friends. I was always made to feel welcome in their home and we've shared many laughs, stories, meals and long discussions together over the decades. Ron was a good family man. You always knew where you stood with him, and he wasn't shy about sharing life's lessons with us 'kids'. He absolutely loved to laugh, and he was generous with both his time and his resources. When, as a young man, I bought my first run-down house, Ron came over and sorted out the electrical for me over the course of a few days. I'm still in that house 36 years later and remain grateful to this day!
So many memories... One evening in my teens, Ron got out his old 78 R.P.M.'s and played the 'Shadow' radio show for us with the lights out to share what he experienced before the popularity of television. (That was cool!) Even visiting the family after the move from Oakville to London, Ron again shared by taking the time to dig out old newspaper clippings he had saved that he thought I'd be interested in.
Ron embraced Canadian culture as he loved Canada and all the opportunity it afforded. And his hard work and devotion earned him a family to be proud of.
He will be greatly missed.
Love to Jodie, Gus, Dooze, and the entire family.
Scotty MacDuff
