Edward Albert Payne

On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, Edward Albert Payne, loving father and friend to many, passed away in his home.

Edward was born at home on Sept. 27, 1930, in Whitefish. Ed put in a lifetime of hard work including farming, logging, and harvesting ice. He married Marie Storkson in 1951, they had four children. He remarried in 1966 to Patricia Sagen, becoming a stepfather to her four young children, and shortly thereafter they welcomed another son into the world together.

Ed had a passion for farming and took great pride in his gardens every year. He also loved the great outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. When he was bored he would often let out a “ho-hum” and find something to tinker with in his shop. Ed had many connections in the valley and valued his friendships dearly, he spent much of his free time visiting friends. He was very sincere and known for his kind and caring spirit.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Helen Payne; siblings Mary King, Bob Payne, Dot Smith, Jean Elum; stepson Ted Sagen; and granddaughter Melissa Sagen.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Payne; sister Carol Diesen; children Larry Payne, Linda Sheffield, Mercedes (Helen) Finklestein, Clint Payne, Edwin Payne; stepchildren Daniel Sagen, Shelly Sagen-Adams, Wendy Sagen; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at Glacier Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the VFW in Whitefish at 3 p.m.