Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.
Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.
A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.
In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.
His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.
Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.
Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.
An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.
Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.
Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”
Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.
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Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
26 September 2024
Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.
Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.
A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.
In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.
His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.
Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.
Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.
An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.
Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.
Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”
Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.
Related
141 Report: Safety Director for Hawaiian Airlines, Ku’ulei McGuire
141 Report: Safety Director for Hawaiian Airlines, Ku'ulei McGuireYouTube 4 Februrary 2022 Sister Ku'ulei McGuire joins the 141 Report from Honolulu Hawaii as she talks about her new position as IAM District 141 Safety Director at Hawaiian Airlines. Podcast Host...
The 2022 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest is NOW OPEN!
The 2022 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest is NOW OPEN!Education1 February 2022Thousands of dollars in scholarship money will go out. Union members and their families can compete for $8,000 in scholarship money through the 2022 Adolph Stutz Memorial...
February Helping Hands: Healthy Relationships
EAP Directors: Healthy relationships don’t look the same for everyone since people have different needs. Each partner's specific needs around communication, affection, space, shared hobbies, values, and so on may change throughout life. A relationship that works in...