Donald Payne

Jan. 29, 1952 — Oct. 17, 2012

Donald Clifford Payne passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 17, 2012, of heart complications. He was 60 years of age. Don was born to Howard and Violet Payne on Jan. 29, 1952, at Johns Hopkins Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Md. He spent his early childhood in Batavia, N.Y. In 1964 his family moved to Placerville, where Don attended Edwin Markham School and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1970, excelling in both athletics and academics. He attended Santa Clara College, where he majored in Civil Engineering and later transferred to University of California, Davis, graduating with a degree in Economics. He also earned a degree in Accounting at California State University, Sacramento.

Don was a dedicated and respected Certified Public Accountant who was a partner in Delury, Payne and Company in Sacramento. In October 1988 he formed a partnership accounting firm now known as Engilis, Payne, Kmetz & Daley. He met and fell in love with Lynn Lok in 1987 and they were married in September 1989. Don and Lynn were blessed in 1996 with the birth of their daughter, McKenna, the light of their lives.

His accomplishments in life were many, but Don will best be remembered as a man of intelligence and integrity, warmth and wisdom. He had a generous spirit and a big heart. He was passionate about life, family and friends. He enjoyed playing racquetball and watching the 49ers. He loved to spend quiet weekends at home with his wife and daughter and their favorite vacation spot was Maui. He enjoyed good food and great wine. He was an avid wine collector, the perfect host and a master of the barbecue, especially his famous barbecued ribs.

Don will lovingly be remembered by the loves of his life, wife, Lynn and daughter, McKenna; his parents, Howard and Violet Payne; siblings, Betty Ward (Jim), Robert Payne (Wendy), Kathy Warden (Bill) and Janet Randall (Morgan); in-laws, Leo and Beverly Lok; sister-in-law, Patty Lok; aunt, June Wright Fields; uncle, David Tuggle (Mary); and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He is loved by many and will live forever in our hearts.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Mercy General and Mercy San Juan and especially to his ICU nurse Brian Colby for their compassionate care.

Services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m., at Rolling Hills Christian Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution in Don’s name be made to the Sacramento Food Bank.