Tom Payne died peacefully Aug. 1, 2016 at his home in Corvallis, Ore., surrounded by his family. He was 80.

Tom was born May 15, 1936 at his home in Enterprise to Glen and Lois Payne. Tom spent his childhood in Enterprise before moving to Oakland, where he graduated from Castlemont High School. Tom attended San Francisco State University, where he played varsity baseball and received his bachelor’s degree. After graduating Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Ratcliff, on Jan. 7, 1959.

Tom and Ann lived in Redwood City, Calif., where Tom worked for the American Red Cross. In 1961 Tom, Ann and their young son Brad moved back to La Grande, where their daughters, Jill and Karen were born. Tom completed his master’s degree in education at Eastern Oregon University and taught in the La Grande school system for 17 years. After retiring, Tom managed the La Grande Airport for several years.

During their years of retirement, Tom and Ann (and dog Jiggs) traveled extensively with their Good Sam group before settling into a snowbird lifestyle between Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Wallowa Lake.

Tom and his family spent their summers at their cabin at Wallowa Lake, a tradition that has continued with his children’s families. During the summer Tom shared his passion for water sports by teaching everyone to water ski, tube and drive the boat. Throughout his life Tom enjoyed building and flying airplanes big and small. He also pursued his love of baseball, golf, square dancing and travel.

Tom had an unsurpassable zest for life and love for those around him. He shaped the lives of many and will be dearly missed. His enthusiasm and joy will be passed on through his wife Ann; sister Lora Lee Evans; step-mother Berlyce Payne; children Brad (Janell) Payne, Jill (Brent) Goold and Karen Payne; grandchildren Laurel (Michael), Kyle (Samantha), Ryan, Steve, Jordon, Jillian, Megan and Nick; and great-grandchildren Launa and Athena.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 3 at Enterprise Community Church.