Robert Lyman Paine

Robert Lyman Paine, died peacefully on December 15, at the age of 77, after an eleven-year battle with cancer. Born on July 8, 1924 in Minneapolis, MN, Bob grew up into a gifted athlete including being named the All City Most Valuable Player as a member of the West High School football team in 1942. The best thing that ever happened to him was to meet and win the love of his high school sweetheart, Margaret ``Dudie'' Lajoie. After Air Force service during World War II, Bob and Dudie began a strong marriage in 1946 which lasted 55 years to his death. Bob recently said to Dudie, ``I'll die loving you.'' Bob graduated from the Univeristy of Houston and developed a distinguished career as a Chemical Engineer; he specialized in water treatment with the Flox Company, which later became NALCO. In 1960 the Paine family settled into their present home in the Arcadia District of Phoenix. These 41 years of working and living in Phoenix generated a new strong network of friendships and associates including those that grew through their membership at Arizona Country Club. He particularly enjoyed tennis and golf the year around. Bob was well known for his high integrity, dry sense of humor, willingness to speak his mind and loyalty and dedication to family and friends. He was very gifted in his written expressions as indicated by having more than a few ``Letters to the Editor'' published. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret ``Dudie'' Lajoie Paine; their three children, Kathryn Paine Heller of Seattle, WA, William Hewett Paine of Carona del Mar, CA, and Judith Paine Lewis of Phoenix, AZ; five grandsons, Brent Heller, Luke and Mark Lewis, Eric & Kyle Paine, of whom he was very proud. Bob's friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service 11:00 AM Thursday, December 27 at Messinger Indian School Chapel, with a luncheon to follow at the Arizona Country Club. Memorials in his name would be appreciated to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014-5656.

Published on December 23, 2001