Obituary of Kenneth Arthur Payne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenny Payne, at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC after a very brief and unexpected battle with cancer.

 

Kenneth (Kenny) was the youngest of three children. He was born to Arthur and

Margery (Carey) Payne on Sept. 16th 1944, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

At the age of 18 he joined the U.S Navy and served his country proudly. He was stationed in Vietnam on the USS Pine Island.

After his service he would return home to Idaho, where he began working for Bill Jones Distributors. He also worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a lineman. He

would, however, continue to pursue his love of music. This is how Ken would end up in Canada. His band came to Cranbrook, BC to perform at the Blue Bird Inn. Ken often joked about how he had a one month contract at the Blue Bird, but ended up playing there for 3 years. This is where he would meet his wife of 45 years, Carol.

Ken remained in Cranbrook where he began working for the School Board in Cranbrook, where he continued to work until his retirement. Ken and Carol married in 1972 and had two daughters, Jennifer and Jessi.

 

Kenny was a talented musician. His musical influence started at the young age of five and had him playing in the family bluegrass band by age 8. After moving to Canada he played in several bands- Northwind, City Limits, Grumpy Old Men, Kenny and the Cruisers and even recorded a professional studio album. His bands covered several genres of music and he enjoyed them all. He played for many years at all kinds of places- most memorable to Ken were The Blue Bird Inn, The Bar X, The Eagles Hall, The Legion, Key City Theatre, The car shows in Invermere, outdoor venue events, as well as many jam sessions, weddings and anniversaries.

 

Ken had a love of sports, as well. He was very proud to have had the privilege of coaching basketball at local schools here in Cranbrook.

Ken was a fan of the NY Yankee's, rarely missing a game and loved College basketball. Attending the NCAA Maui Invitational Tournament in Maui with his Grandson was a definite highlight in his life.

 

After many years of having his landed immigrant status, Ken became a Canadian Citizen in 2013.

 

Ken lost his beloved wife, Carol in 2017. He was deeply saddened by her loss. He found ways to keep himself busy by having breakfast at Denny's, going out to the casino, visiting family and taking trips with friends when he could.

 

Ken loved being a Grandpa, spending time with his grandkids- sharing his love of music and sports.

 

Ken had many facets to his life, which gave him a wide social circle. It was rare to go anywhere with him and not run into someone he knew. Kenny Payne touched a lot of people throughout his life and will be missed very much by all.

Left to mourn Ken are his daughters - Jennifer (Michael) MacNeill and Jessi Payne, sister Joyce Jasmer, and grandchildren Gavan, Kieran, Logan and Jasmin.

 

Ken will also be missed by several nieces and nephews, cousins, life long friends and past band mates.

 

Predeceased by his wife Carol Payne, mother Margery Ballou, step father Joseph Ballou, father Arthur Payne, brother Donnovan Jasmer, son Mike Payne.

A Celebration of life is being planned and will be held at a later Date.