Obituary of J. Harvey Payne

PAYNE: The family sadly announces the passing of John "Harvey" on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Fairview Home in Brandon, MB. His daughters, Linda and Brenda, were honored to be by his side. For the last 11 days of his life, family took turns staying with him so he was never alone. Harvey was born on September 5, 1924 at Sinclair, MB to John and Florence Payne. He left school in grade 9 to help out in his parent`s General Store and Post Office in Ewart, MB. Later on, he assisted his parents when they operated the Modern Café in Reston, MB. During his life, Harvey drove a truck for the B.A. Oil Company and C. P. Transport in Brandon. He also worked as a Brandon City Transit Driver and at the time of his retirement in 1986, worked at Canada Post. During his retirement, he enjoyed driving for Kelleher Motors. He loved driving and anything to do with cars. Harvey will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Florence (Steward), daughters Linda (Brian) Wirth, Oakbank, MB, Brenda (Yves) Lacerte, Brandon, MB, grandchildren Jared (Brie) Weir, Brian (B.J.) (Jenn) Wirth, Anna (Daniel) Hussey, Sara (Chester) Phung, Milaine and Mary-Elizabeth Lacerte. Harvey also had 2 great grandchildren, Hannah Phung and Greyson Wirth. "Poppa" was very special to all his grandchildren and he loved them very much. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie Nicholson (Dartmouth, N.S.), and sister-in-law Verna Payne (Brandon, MB), as well as special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Harvey was predeceased by his parents Fredrick John Payne and Florence Violet Duncan, and also by his first wife Mary "Hannah" (Setter), brother William Fredrick "Bill" Payne and brother-in-law John Nicholson. Harvey and Hannah spent most of their married life in Brandon, and enjoyed many happy times with Bill and Verna and with Harvey`s parents. Hannah sadly passed away in 1995. Harvey married Florence Georgeina (Steward) in 1998. They celebrated 16 years of marriage on September 4, 2014. On September 5, 2014, Harvey turned 90 years young, and this special event was celebrated with a Come and Go tea in his honor on September 6, 2014 at St. Mary`s Anglican Church. Harvey and Florence were faithful members of St. Mary`s and spent many Sundays worshipping there. They resided at Lion`s Manor together from 2005 until illness overtook Harvey and he was admitted to hospital in September of 2012, and then to Fairview Home in 2013, where he resided until the time of his passing. The celebration of Harvey`s life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on March 7, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. John Dolloff officiating. Words of remembrance were spoken by grandsons Jared Weir and B.J. Wirth. A video tribute was organized by granddaughters Anna Hussey and Sara Phung. Active pallbearers were Jared Weir, B.J. Wirth, Chester Phung, Daniel Hussey, Brent Payne and Robert Wirth. Honorary pallbearers were all present. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Harvey`s memory may be made to a charity of choice. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. J. Deong and the caring staff on the First Floor at Fairview Home, as well as Jeremy Lancaster at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home for his assistance in our time of need. Special thanks to Rev. John Dolloff for conducting the service and to Dr. G. Visser for being so good to Harvey for many years.