Michael Talmage Paine

Michael Talmage Paine was born October 1, 1946, to DeWitt and Norma Paine. A 1964 Los Altos High School (Hacienda Heights) graduate, Michael was awarded a California State Scholarship to attend CSULB. He earned a Masters degree after his discharge in 1969 from the army during the Vietnam War. After graduation he was employed as CPA for almost nine years by Windes and McClaughry of Long Beach. He started his own firm in 1982 and retired in 2023. Michael married his first wife in 1982 and his second wife in 2013. He had no children.

Michael could be intimidating. He was highly intelligent and suffered no fools. But he was tender and kind underneath. Little children and animals were drawn to him. He was sensitive and appreciated beauty and good food. (He loved anything dark chocolate: See’s Scotch Mallows, chocolate silk pie, chocolate ice cream). He loved to go to Sherman Gardens and Rogers Gardens and the Bowers Museum. He enjoyed photography and loved going on cruises. He was a COLLECTOR: of coins, stamps, lighthouses, and fine art. He actually owned an Aston Martin in the 1980’s.

Michael supported his community. He was a patron of CSULB, a former member of the Long Beach Historical Society, and a supporter of Goodwill and the Long Beach Aquarium. He loved the Ice Dogs and got season tickets until they disbanded.

Michael was not a social butterfly. He was quiet a lot. But he could throw out a zinger every once in a while and get everyone laughing. He was best known by his friends as a compendium of knowledge. Did you need to know the capital of South Dakota? The 15th U.S. president? Just ask Michael.

Michael is survived by his wife, Katherine Kilgore Paine and his sister, Leanna Paine.

He cherished his friendship with the “Lodge” members and his dear church family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peekfuneralhome.com for the Paine family.