To
any of you who knew and served with Eric Payne (all of the saxes and
violin). He has sadly passed over just 2 days ago. The family are distraught
as you may imagine and right on Christmas too! I only spoke with Eric
on Wed and said I'll be round for a small Sherry next week!! It's tragic
news as he was just getting over has hip operation but otherwise fit!
I'd always tell him that he'd be in the over 90's club no bother!!
A great musician and all round good egg was Eric. We've been mates since
the mid 60's when we served at HMS Terror and we did many a good gig
together out there. Good Times!! I lost touch after I left the service,
but we hooked up again when we met in 2006 for the 1st rehearsal of
the RMAC Band under the directorship of another old friend Capt Ted
Whealing!! We've remained oppo's ever since, and have visited each others
houses regularly. He used to baby sit our kids for us in Singers too!
(They're 61 and 58 respectively now!!!)
Eric did 15 years with the RMB before leaving to serve another 15 years
in the Central Band of the RAF!! He led the sax section in the RMACB
and was often called upon to wow the audiences with a solo or two at
our gigs.
Eric leaves his devoted wife Sue, Daughter Lauren Gelister, husband
and beautiful Grandchild all of whom he was so looking forward to spending
some time with at Christmas. Sadly, it's not to be.
RIP Eric old mate!! You're going to be very much missed by all of us!!
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post from
Derek Usher
