Obituary of Rodney Payne

Rodney Dennis Payne With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rod, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished brother, cousin, uncle and loyal friend. He departed this life on January 19, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Rod was born December 2, 1939 at the old St Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington to Lois N. Morrison Payne and Stanley N. Payne. He was the first of four siblings, and the second of ten close-knit cousins. As a young boy, he and brother Glen spent two summers at their grandparent’s 300 acre farm in Minnesota. Rod graduated from Olympia High School in 1958 and then joined the Navy serving on the USS Rupertis DD851 7th Fleet from 1959-1963. After completing his service, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and then a Master’s degree from the Thunderbird Institute of Foreign Trade. Rod’s intended career in foreign service was upended when he met Martha Virginia Lyon and her four young children; Jon, Greg, Kris and Keith. They married August 15, 1970, and added one more child to their family, Mary. Rod loved sharing his passions with his children, and later, his grandchildren. Rod spent his career in the septic system industry, working for Joe Laverne, Johnson & Maddox, and Dickerson & Associates. He started his own business, Rod Payne & Associates, providing septic system design for the Long Beach Peninsula for 20 years. He enjoyed his work along with many septic-themed jokes. He finally retired in 2018 at the age of 78. Rod was a consummate athlete and outdoorsman. He was an avid hunter, mushroom and berry picker, who hiked all over Washington State and ran in marathons. Just 3 ½ months before his passing, he hiked Mt Rose in the Olympic Mountains with his granddaughter Madeline. In 1989, he recreated the historic Wilkes Expedition, canoeing from the mouth of the Columbia River (Astoria) to the southern Puget Sound (Port of Olympia). Hunting and fishing were his favorite activities, including the annual fall high-country hunt with family and friends. Rod’s mind was always active. He read the Great Books of the Western World, listened and danced to a wide variety of music, and was a gifted communicator. He made friends with everyone he met, and he was known for engaging in deep conversations. He was a connoisseur of good beer and he even brewed some of his own. He and Martha were lifelong fans of the Seattle Mariners. Rod is survived by his wife Martha, and his five children Jon (Jerri-Jo) of Leaburg OR, Greg (Michele) of Shelton WA, Kris Futter (Ray) of Olympia WA, Keith (Pauli) of Shorewood, MN and Mary Sorger of San Antonio TX, along with eight grandchildren; Korey, Kameron, Katy, Sammi, Parker, Madeline, Alissa and Casey and three great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his grandson, Kristopher. He is also survived by his brother Glen Payne (Janet) of Liberty Lake WA, sister Mary Eldridge and brother Robert Payne (Janine), of Olympia WA along with his two double-first cousins Morris Payne Jr of Olympia and Joanne Mott of Rainier, and many nieces and nephews. As Rod acknowledged when he first received his cancer diagnosis, he had a great life. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take solace in the beautiful memories he has left us. His legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. A graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Memorial Park in Tumwater, Washington on June 28, 2025 at 11:30. A celebration of Rod’s life will follow from 1:00-5:00 at the Sound Union Grange in Olympia, Washington. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring his memory and sharing stories of the incredible man he was. Odd Fellows Memorial Park 3802 Cleveland Ave SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 South Union Grange 10030 Tilley Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512