Albert J. Payne

RICHFORD - Albert John Payne, age 86, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.

He was born August 16, 1927 in Abercorn, Quebec Canada the son of the late John & Gladys (Brown) Payne.

Albert grew up on the family farm in Abercorn and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After receiving his honorable discharge he went to work at several local businesses including, Blue Seal Feeds, Richford Country Club, Richford Drive-In and Northland Hockey Stick Factory before starting his career with the United States Postal Service in Richford eventually becoming Postmaster, a position he held until his retirement in 1988.

Albert loved nature spending most of his time outside. He loved to hunt especially deer, brook trout fishing, and hike around the forests. He also had a great love for feeding & watching the birds, chipmunks & squirrels.

Albert was a life member of the American Legion Post # 12 of Richford and the VFW Post # 9653 of Morrisville.

He is survived by his children, Heather Payne of Morrisville, and Mark Payne and his wife Christine of Essex Jct.; his grandchildren, Hilary Payne-Vinick, Sarah Payne Vinick, Cara Basiliere, Amanda Payne, and Matthew Payne; his great grandsons, Gabriel & Ethan Payne-Vinick, and Aiden Walker; a special sister-in-law, Elda Sargent of Dunkin, Que.; also special friends, Jeffrey & Steven Tatro and JoJo Keller. Besides his parents, Albert was predeceased by wife, Joyce (Sargent) Payne on April 24, 2009. Albert & Joyce were married on May 31, 1952. He was also predeceased by his sister, Catherine Jean.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Hillside Cemetery in Richford.

A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the funeral.

Following the memorial service at the funeral home all are welcome to a luncheon at the Richford American Legion, River Street, Richford.

For those who wish, contributions in Alberts memory may be made to the American Legion Post # 12 of Richford, 35 River Street, Richford, VT 054476.