Gilbert Henry Payne (Gil) passed away at age 84 after a short battle with cancer peacefully at home with his son, John by his side.   He was beloved father to Jolie Ann Payne and John Michael Payne.

Gil was born in the Panama Canal Zone on January 2, 1939.  He immigrated to the USA in 1955 with parents, Henry R. Payne and Eleonora Payne, sister, Nora and brother, Charles.  He graduated from Grant Union High School in 1958. During high school he played on the varsity baseball team and was Jr class president.

After high school he worked for about 10 years for Aerojet before going to the California Highway Patrol academy, (Sacramento) and graduated with the class of 1971. During his career with the CHP he was awarded many MADD honors and recognized for his efforts in public safety throughout his esteemed career until retirement in 1999.  Gil drove a limousine for a private employer after retirement for nearly 10 years.   His hobbies included snow and water skiing, home improvement projects and cycling.

Gil is survived by son, John M. Payne, daughter, Jolie A. Payne, sister Nora Milner, brother-in-law, Scott Milner; 4 nieces Karen Musser, Sabrina Cunningham, Kari Payne and Tifany Markee.

He was preceded in death by (divorced) wife, Nancy I. Payne, father, Henry R. Payne, mother, Eleonora Payne and brother, Charles Payne.

A memorial service is to be held on March 4 ^th (Saturday) at the O’Connor Mortuary chapel in Laguna Hills , Ca and his ashes to be scattered in a private ceremony at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to American Cancer Foundation or the CHP Widows and orphan’s fund.