In Memory

David Paynter

David Paynter

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and classmate, Dave Paynter. He had surgery for a bad infection, but had some complications. He passed on September 30. Our hearts go out to his children.



 
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10/02/24 09:09 PM #1    

Don Marshall

Dave (Philly Paynter) moved to La Canada with his family at the start of our Senior year.  His father Bob was transferred to Los Angeles from New Jersey.  Dave had close friends, his parents' home on a golf course and ice hockey in New Jersey.  In California he also got a parental home on a golf course, but no hockey, a sport he excelled at, and no friends.  But, he was a big basketball fan and a sports trivia master.  That is how he connected with Mark Anderson.  Since Mark was my best friend I also soon became friends with Dave.  Before we met through Mark, we had both been in Mr. Kahtri's chemistry class.  If I had been the kind of person my mother tried to teach me to be- "Donnie, you should always try to reach out to the kids who are new or who no one is paying any attention to"-  I would have befriended Dave in that class.  Instead I took no notice of him, something he pointed out to me when Mark introduced us.  Dave's first impression of me must have been pretty negative.  I was perpetually late to Khatri's class.  "Mr. Marshall, do you think you own the school?", was how I was greated by Mr. Khatri most days.  Anyway, a year later Dave and I were roommates in the freshman dorms at Utah State University, along with Mark and Rick Nelson, and we remained close friends since then.  Dave was my best man at my wedding.  I am Godfather to his oldest son Kevin.  Dave, as he did for so many residents of La Canada, remodeled our home there.  Dave was an excellent home builder, but his main strength, both in his work, and in his life, was his ability to build relationships with just about anyone he came into contact with.  Amiable, gregarious, funny, poignant, interesting, quick witted, and insightful are just some of the traits he had that added to his ability to create and maintain lasting friendships.  He was one of my favorite people to talk to.  Where ever I have been in the world Dave would call me just out of the blue, aprapos of nothing, and engage me in an enjoyable conversation.  If he was with someone else at the time, he would put them on the line to talk to me, whether I knew them or not, a practice I was not fond of because I find it a little difficult to know what to say to someone over the phone who I have never met.  I guess Dave never thought that what for him would come natural might challenge the less gregarious of the rest of us.  Dave was a good father to his 4 children, Kevin, Andrew, Katie and Ryan, the proof of that being what awesome people they each turned out to be.  It was easy and natural to open up to Dave and talk about real things, not just mundane day to day stuff.  I trusted him.  We did not always agree on every issue we discussed, but we could disagree intelligently and acknowledge the reason and logic in each other's views.  Dave had a way of making things interesting, the true mark of a great conversationalist.  I know Dave is now in a better place, and reunited with his wife Jenny, but I will misss getting his calls.  


10/03/24 08:50 AM #2    

Barb Ryburn (Langeloh)

Don, what a beautiful tribute to your friend. You make us want to know him. You truly were blessed by his friendship. Thank you for your words. Peace to you in your deep loss. 


10/03/24 12:06 PM #3    

Ann Verbeck (Borer)

don, what wonderful words to say about you dear friend. while i have not been intouch with dave, i remember how funny he was and his accent made it ten fold. prayers to his childern for strenght, his meomories will live on forever in their hearts!!!!heart


10/04/24 09:03 AM #4    

Jim Mumper

Don, Sorry for your loss of a good friend! I also moved to LC summer 73 just before senior year and didn't know many, but I do remember Dave. He and my brother became friends working in the same branch in the area. Anyway, prayers for his family!


10/04/24 10:30 AM #5    

Jill Tipton

With sympathy to Dave's family.

Don, thank you for sharing your personal insight and stories of Dave Paynter during our high school and college years. What a wonderful tribute to Dave. In sorrow we grieve the loss of those we love. 

The depth of our grief reflects the love we will always carry in our hearts. heart

Go in Peace, Dave. See you on the other side.


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