Jeff Duane Payne

Jeffrey Duane Payne crested his mountain, took one last sigh, and stepped into the sunset towards his final adventure on February 6, 2018, after a courageous battle with IPF. His trek through life was filled with all the same qualities as the stories he infamously told: adventure, fantasy, defeat, redemption, and so much love. His legacy will pulse with every eagle’s soar, every hidden gem, and every long goodbye.

Jeff was born on December 17, 1959 to DeAnn Goode and Sherman Duane Payne. As the oldest of nine, Jeff dedicated his life to crafting and creating images of heroes and bravery, constantly helping those around him defeat their own dragons. Jeff saw the worth of every story, whether family, neighbor, or stranger. His genuine interest and belief in those around him made Jeff a friend to all.

His life was rich with adventure, stemming from Viewmont High School to the California San Jose LDS Mission to his hometown of Heber Valley. Self-taught, Jeff jumped at each new challenge, working in a dairy, flower nursery, barium plant, bakery, tire then cable repair companies, educational fields, welding, then computer repairs and system administration. This variety fueled his other passions: rock hounding, mountain man rendezvous, scuba diving, ham radio, jewelry crafting, and all things outdoors. He believed he (and we) could be absolutely anything we choose to be, especially if it left time for fishing in the mountains and a BYU football game on the weekend.

Jeff’s biggest adventure and largest legacy was the family he created with the love of his life, Lori Lynne Orchard, on August 6, 1981, in the Salt Lake Temple. He lived and breathed family and spent his last breath in the arms of his dedicated wife.

Jeff is survived by an immense family who love and miss him deeply, including his wife, six brothers, two sisters, and children: Jeremiah (Kasie) Payne, Benjamin (Sara) Payne, Marnie (Javier) Rodriguez, Joshua (Jessica) Payne, Aaron (Rebecca) Payne, Jacob Payne, and 14 grandchildren.

He knew and shared his belief of the eternal nature of families, love of our Heavenly Father, and redeeming power of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jeff has now returned to the arms of his loving parents.

To the Heber Valley Dialysis Technicians: thank you for your time, your love, and your listening ear.

To the Pulmonary Team at the University of Utah: thank you for giving us 11 more years with our dad. You are miracle workers.

To Dad: we promise to keep hiking. We promise to keep fighting. And we cannot wait until we crest our own mountains and see you waiting for us on the other side. We love you.

There will be viewings at 5:30—7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, and at 9:30—10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, followed by a funeral at 11:00 a.m. at the Midway LDS Stake Center,165 N. Center Street. lnterment at the Charleston Cemetery.