Ronald P Payne

Ronald P. Payne, 77, of Bridgton, Maine, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, following a hard-fought battle and complications from pneumonia. He was surrounded by family who loved him deeply. Ron was born on January 4, 1948, in Manchester, Connecticut, the son of the late Merrill A. Payne and Anelia (Brazaukas) Payne. He was predeceased by his beloved brother Gary Payne and beloved sister Marilyn Roe. Ron grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Braintree High School, where he portrayed the school mascot — a Native American — wearing a full headdress. He attended UMass Amherst, where he was a proud member of Phi Sigma Delta Alpha Mu chapter. He left college with a collection of stories and memories that he would share with family members for decades to come. After college, Ron spent many years as a Human Resources consultant, helping others find purpose and opportunity. He took great pride in his role helping craft the early days of the internet through his work at IBM and other tech companies, where he forged lifelong friendships and witnessed transformative change. As a young man, Ron spent his summers at Salmon Point in Bridgton, Maine, forming the roots of a lifelong connection to the region. In adulthood, after meeting his wife Mary Payne, whom he married in 1997, he split his time between the lake and the ocean. Together, Ron and Mary spent many weekends at Biddeford Pool, where he will long be remembered for his Americana flag bandanas, long nights of cribbage, and a brief (but memorable) stint at the Kennebunk Yacht Club. Ron had an uncanny gift for making the ordinary unforgettable. Later in life, Ron and Mary retired to Sebastian, Florida, where he again quickly made new friends, shared his water workout techniques, and savored a well-deserved glass of wine after long afternoons by the pool. Whether in Maine, Florida, or anywhere in between, Ron’s warmth, humor, and strong sense of presence left a lasting impression. Ron had a sharp wit, a big laugh, and a mischievous sparkle in his eye. His sense of humor brought levity to difficult times and joy to the people around him. Just as powerful as his humor was his generosity — not just to friends and family, but also to total strangers. He quietly spent many Christmas Eves delivering gifts in person to families in need, never asking for recognition — only hoping to make someone’s holiday a little brighter. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Payne; his son Michael Page, daughter-in-law Lauren Page, and his beloved granddaughter Harlow Page, who brought him endless joy. He also leaves behind a large and deeply loved extended family and countless meaningful relationships. Ron’s immediate family would like to express their deepest love and gratitude to his dear sister-in-law Phyllis Payne and to Theresa Gaudreau, who brought comfort, laughter, and strength. He also held a special place in his heart for his nieces Kristin Byrd, Allison Gaudreau, and Christine Koza along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Ron’s family finds peace in the belief that he has returned to the greater whole — that life is part of a larger cycle of experience, energy, and love. His presence will live on through the lives he touched and the memories he helped forge among his family and friends. A private service will be held in accordance with Ron’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with someone you love, take a quiet walk in nature, or raise a glass in his honor — he would’ve preferred all three. That would’ve meant something to him. Please keep Ron in your hearts — and may you always have fair winds and following seas.

Ronald P Payne

January 4, 1948 - July 17, 2025

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