Philip Payne

Philip was born in Helmdon on 8 January 1964 and attended the village school and Magdalene College, Brackley. He worked in his father’s building business straight from school and became a fine craftsman. Much of his work is evident in the village and surrounding area and is now a living memorial to ensure that he will never be forgotten.

In his spare time, Philip indulged in a passion for motorbikes and also spent many Sunday mornings helping with the footpath working parties in the village. He was very interested in the abundant wildlife around the fields of Helmdon and was a familiar figure at Astwell ponds where he spent many hours fishing and with his angling skills, patience and natural gentleness, devoting much time to helping the younger members.

Philip struggled to cope with an illness that few people understood and which finally resulted in his untimely death in tragic circumstances. It is desperately sad that Philip did not understand that there are so very many people who loved him.

At the service of thanksgiving for his life, the chapel overflowed with over 160 friends and family. He is so very much missed and will always be fondly remembered. Our sincerest condolences to Peter, Pauline, and Tricia.

LLG

From: Talkabout Spring 1998