Kingsley John Payne

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform you of the loss of a complete gem of a human: Kingsley John Payne who at the age of 84 years died at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He succumbed to the compounding effects of injuries, sustained from a series of falls.

Born to Kathleen and Frederich Payne , Kingsley grew up in a working class neighbourhood in Nottingham, England. There, in his beloved Colwick woods, he played with his mates, honing his football (soccer) and fire-building skills. At age 14, he met the love of his life, Patricia Handel. Spanning 7 decades, they would create a lifelong story together, emigrating to Edmonton, Alberta where they raised their three children and pursued teaching careers. Kingsley began with teacher training college in the UK, followed by a teaching post on Cat Island, the Bahamas, then off to Canada (Edmonton) for a PhD in Educational Psychology, and becoming an instructor in Grant MacEwan College’s Child and Youth Program, as well as teaching master’s students at St. Stephen’s College and City University. He retired in Victoria, BC in 2015. He was a gifted instructor, much loved by his students and brought his own unique brand of humour, intensity and passion to his work.

A natural athlete — a top-scoring centre striker on the football team, batter and bowler on the college cricket teams —Kingsley was lightning fast and highly skilled. Later on, his sportiness switched to tennis, racquet ball and cycling. He could be spotted cycling to the college, adorned in his Tilley hat (resplendent with Fringe Festival pins) with his latest Harry Potter scarf streaming out behind him. He delighted in competition whether it was on the court or playing cards (“On the podium!” he’d cry out with glee).

A scholar with insatiable curiosity, Kingsley read voraciously. He explored initiatives close to his heart — whether it be his ongoing study of psychology or his passion for civil rights and feminist initiatives, exploring with his book club the meaning of spirituality or refreshing his already vast knowledge of all things Shakespeare. He insisted on reading Harry Potter out loud to his grand children. He gave freely of his vast knowledge and wisdom editing a book about trauma for his daughter. Books and words were his happy place. The family lexicon is replete with Kingsley sayings and word play.

A self-proclaimed introvert, he nonetheless had the ability to create a sense of fun, and warmth wherever he went. His love of rituals, many of which occurred around the roaring fires he built in his hearth, and the myriad of lit candelabra that adorned the living room ,created the backdrop for family and friend occasions. Conversations often included a libation (Newcastle Brown Ale or a glass of red wine being his favs) and some fine stinky cheese (Shropshire blue warmed to the perfect temperature).

Regardless of all his skills and accomplishments, Kingsley’s legacy is the connections he made with those around him. He had a genuine curiosity for those he met, a real desire to know them, and an uncanny ability to see them and listen. He had so much compassion, and his combination of humour, intellect and receptivity meant that he forged meaningful connections everywhere he went: attending to his students, lending an empathetic ear to his daughter’s teen-aged friends, inquiring about one’s take on the meaning of God, discussing the pitfalls of gender stereo-typing with his 5 year old great granddaughter, or querying his grandchildren about the particulars of their lives. Kingsley lives on in the connections he made with those who knew him.

Kingsley is survived by his wife, Patricia; his three children, Caroline (Kevin), Jason and Adam; his grandchildren, Sophia, Zachary (Calla), Julian (Melina), Joshua (Haley), Taryn, Aleigh and Benjamin; and his great grandchildren, Ruby and Rowan, Ella and William.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 at St Mary the Virgin, Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Rd, Oak Bay, BC V8R 5L5. The link to livestream will be posted under “Events” at www.stmarysoakbay.ca

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Churchmouse Book Shop at https://www.stmarysoakbay.ca/pages/donate-online .