Al Payne passed away early this morning. In the short time he was suffering from cancer, he was visited by many people to offer support and to say goodbye. He will be missed and remembered by us all.
Al has been our Arena Manager for 28 years. In that time he has touched the lives of countless people through his work with youth hockey associations, high school hockey teams, Spartan Foundation, swimming team organizations, our outdoor pool & mini-golf, and much more that I can’t begin to mention. Al has served on the board of Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association for many years. He was perhaps is the most well respected arena manager in the State of Minnesota as described by many managers that he mentored. There is so much more to tell about Al but I’m sure that many conversations among the City staff taking place today will bring light to how much he meant to us all.
Al was very close to his employees and spoke of them as family. Please keep them, along with Al’s wife Bonnie and daughter Reagan in your prayers.
Funeral arrangements will be forwarded.
Al Payne
This picture was taken at the Richfield Ice Arena in January 2007.
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Please post your thoughts and memories of Al on this blog. Thank you.
A funeral is scheduled for Al Payne on Saturday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. in the Richfield High School Auditorium, 7001 Harriet Avenue
I always enjoyed a conversation with Al. Never any negative words from him. Al always had a great greeting for you. I'm included in many who appreciated Al and will miss him.
Bill Fillmore
I always admired his energy and his friendly, upbeat personality. He put so much of himself into his work at the Arena (and Richfield's warming houses before that). We'll miss him very much.
I got to know Al working with him on the MIAMA board(Minnesota ice arena managers assoc.) Al was very dedicated and put a lot of hard work and effort into everything he did and was never afraid to help out where needed. All of the rink managers are going to miss him!
Even though I have only known and worked with Al for barely a year. I am proud to have been hired and trained by one of the best in the industry. I am honored to have been selected by Al, as it turns out, to be one of the last zamboni operators ever hired and trained by him. I can only speak for myself however, I am sure that all of those who survive Al at the Richfield Ice Arena feels a sense of responsibility to carry on his legacy with the utmost respect.
Even though I only saw Al occasionally, he always had a big smile and a friendly "Hello". Richfield will miss him very much. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Al was an extremely important person and manager in the Richfield community. His thoughts, ideas and commitment were and are truly valuable with regard to the success of the Richfield Ice Arena and Outdoor Pool operations of the Recreation Services Department. He was also instrumental in many programs during his career in Richfield, playgrounds, outdoor skating rink program, recreational and youth sports, etc. He will truly be missed by people throughout Minnesota.
As a Richfield High School hockey coach from 1991 - 2002 in the capacity of JV boys, Varsity boys and JV girls, Al and I formed a great friendship. During these same years, I ran a Spartan hockey school of his and of my own, with his help. Al was a great person to work with and very strong in his convictions. When we were working on the second rink, Al was very helpful in providing information and working with all of us that got this done. With Al being conservative in his nature, it was fun to get him to laugh because he would really brighten up and share some great stories. I was always begging him to make the arena a Spartan Arena and he let us do that by allowing us to paint the concession area with 'Home of the Spartans' and the two Spartan heads. Al did a great job managing both high schools vying for space in the arena. I use a lot from Al in my workings. He would always say, "What do you want today, Willie...." I'll miss you Al.
-Willie Spelts
One of the greatest pleasures of my 35 years in the ice business was to serve on the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association Board for 6 years. 5 of those six years Al Payne was Secretary Treasuurer. It took little time to realize that Al was the heart, the sole, the conscience and the rock that kept MIAMA going in the right direction. There was no room for individuality, it was all about the good of MIAMA. Many a board memeber has gone through a grilling from Al who would never tell you you were wrong but gently challenged you to think hard and long about the full effect your proposal would have. Al would lean foward, look slowly left and right to make sure everyone was paying attention, "Now I don't want to say this is not a good idea but just let me throw this out to you." Al would say. Over those years Al and I were occational roomamtes on the overnight trips. I think he used me. After lights out and small talk for a few minutes, Al would then ask the big question, one that he knew I would ramble on for an hour. After a short while, Al was snoring, sound asleep. It became a routine I became accustomed to and I looked forward to the big question.
Good night Al.
Al Payne was the face and backbone of the Ice Arena and Pool complex. When I look at the Ice Arena, I think of Al and how proud he was of the facility and of the people who worked there. . . .you could see it in his face and hear it in his voice. It's hard to grasp that Al is gone. It makes me sad and I will miss him.
What a nice, nice gentleman. He will no doubt be missed dearly by all who had the opportunity to be touched by his presence. I was sad to hear about his passing but I'm sure he's in a wonderful place looking out for the ones he loves.
Angela Faison
I have posted my thoughts both in the STARTRIBUNE and on a state hockey website, but there is so much that can be said about Al. He taught all of his employees at the arena the right and wrong of the business. He loved the business and went out of his way to make the arena a nice place for both high schools and association that share the great facility. I am going to miss seeing Al at the arena, but my son said to me that "his spirit will probably be at the arena". I have to agree, when you mention the arena or look at the arena you will always see Al's smiling face and know that he is still with us.
I have known Al for the last seven years first as an assistant and then as the head girl's hockey coach at Richfield High School. Losing Al is such a shock. I am not sure walking into the arena will ever be the same. Al was always available to assist me in whatever needed to be done for the girl's hockey program. He was a man, who worked hard with great integrity. Al will be greatly missed by everyone involved in the RHS girl's hockey program.
I worked under Al at the Richfield Pool from 1987-1997 as well as at the arena in my high school years. Al was really my introduction to working life and taught me all about integrity. He was a man who lived what he believed and wanted the same of his employees. I even think Al wrote one of my college recommendations. He will be missed greatly and his family is definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
-marisue gleason
Al hired me to be a lifeguard up at the pool in 1986. I was just graduating from high school and it was my first full time job. I ended up working for Al for the next 13 summers. He promoted me to pool supervisor and I ran the pool for 8 of those summers. Al took me under his wing and taught me so much about work and life. I remember many a rainy day where Al and I would watch the rain fall out over the pool and discuss philosophies on life, our hopes and dreams. He really believed that it was his job to teach us to be good people and give us a good work ethic. He knew our Zamboni and Lifeguarding jobs would be a stepping stone into our career lives. Our nickname for him by many of us was “Dad”. (I am not sure if he knew that) He always had time for us. I quit working for him after 98, and in the past decade I would drop in at the arena for a visit from time to time. He was always happy to see me and we would visit just as if no time had passed. He kept tabs on all of us and was proud of what we went on to do. And, after a decade I got the call from Al this Spring asking if I would come back and run the pool on the hill yet once again. Without hesitation the answer was YES! I could not be more proud to still be working for Al once again. Thank you Al. You have taught me so much. I owe you a lot. I became the person I am today because of your influence. Your spirit will be with me as we move on and continue to be my “voice of reason”. God Bless You Al! I could never have as good a friend as you. Love always - Your Pool Supervisor - Anne
http://www.startribune.com/508/story/1250558.html
This story probably pales to all the great sport stories I’ve been hearing about Al, but it does represent what a NICE guy Al was. The Community Center was having its’ Volunteer Appreciation Party with the theme, “Let Freedom Ring”. All decorations, food and entertainment were patriot in appearance. It was during President Clinton’s term and the idea of President Clinton making an appearance would be a highlight of the event. We did write a letter to President Clinton but in the event that he did not show up, we asked Al to wear a Clinton mask and drop by. He agreed. He took time off from his busy spring work and budget schedule, donned a suit jacket, of all things, and was escorted by a flashing red light police car to the Community Center. Putting on the Clinton mask, looking very fit and flashing the V sign on both hands, he entered the crowd of seniors. Many, with their failing eyesight, thought he was the real thing. It was only a brief presence that he met with them, but the seniors remember that party the most. Because of Al’s goodness to share himself for that brief moment, he will always be remembered as President Clinton to the seniors.
Al was a friend and teammate of mine on the RHS 1964 State Champion football team. He was also a top scorer and overall outstanding hockey player on the RHS teams that went to the State Tournament three consecutive years. Baseball may have been his best sport where as a pitcher his two-year record of 19-0, a career ERA of 0.60 and three no-hitters during his senior year rank him among the best Spartans to ever play the game. Al's pitching helped lead the Spartans to the Minnesota State Title in 1965, a team that went 25-0.
All this being said, Al's greatest contributions were most likely not as a player but as a facilitator and mentor to those involved in youth sports in Richfield. Always with a kind word for everyone, Al's contagious smile put the numerous friends around him at ease. The Richfield HS Spartan Foundation will miss his enthusiasm and organizational skills putting together the annual golf tournament fundraiser that has benefited local youth sports for decades.
Al was a great friend and teammate and will always be remembered as an All Star on so many different levels.
Tom Gersey RHS '64
WOW! I still cannot believe that Al is gone! My wife and I have known Al since the early 90's. In that period of time we both had the pleasure of working for him.
Al was very dedicated to the City of Richfield, his family, and his employee's. This dedication is evident in the world class facility at the Richfield Arena.
I will always remember Al letting us know when he was going to be leaving. Then walking back in exactly 5 minutes later because "He forgot something". That will always bring a smile to my face.
Al, I know you touched many lives. I know we will all work hard to carry on the legacy you left.
Finally, Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and Reagan. I know it is tough for you folks. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
WOW! I still cannot believe that Al is gone! My wife and I have known Al since the early 90's. In that period of time we both had the pleasure of working for him.
Al was very dedicated to the City of Richfield, his family, and his employee's. This dedication is evident in the world class facility at the Richfield Arena.
I will always remember Al letting us know when he was going to be leaving. Then walking back in exactly 5 minutes later because "He forgot something". That will always bring a smile to my face.
Al, I know you touched many lives. I know we will all work hard to carry on the legacy you left.
Finally, Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and Reagan. I know it is tough for you folks. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
Through the youth hockey association and then through the girls hockey booster club, we got to see Al on a regular basis and it was always enjoyable working with him. Despite the pressure of managing the facilities for a profit, Al always thought about the kids first! We will all miss him and we offer our sincere thoughts and prayers to his family.
The Richards Family
As the interim President for Richfield Hockey Association, I wanted to express the Association's deep sadness with the passing of Al. He was a great friend, advocate and partner to the community and hockey families over the years. He was very in tune with what we needed, always helpful, approachable, flexible and had a positive can-do attitude no matter what our request. He added a personal touch and details to the ice arena that make it a user-friendly and welcoming place for most who practically live there in the winter. He rolled up his sleeves with us to provide the best opportunity for the kids to enjoy the great game of hockey. He had no shortage of ideas on how we could improve our product, structure tournaments and attract youth to the game. He will be missed, not only because what he gave the association, but because he was a good man, geniune and sincere, qualities that made him so special. Steven Wendorf
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Al Payne. I have been a resident of Richfield for 30 years and have had an association with Al through hockey with my oldest son and my younger son working at the pool. I also have had a working relationship with Al over the many years in my business.
He was always friendly and cheerful and has done much for the City of Richfield. He will be deeply missed.
I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Al.
Al was a foster brother. Mrs. Liza Nunn "Granny", a widow, opened her home and her heart to several foster children, a day care service, and she was well loved by many including Al.
Al was one of her favorites, possibly the favorite. His athletic achievements, zest for life and leadership abilities placed him in a unique category.
I know that Al will be missed and held high in our regard for all time.
It has taken me a long time to be able to leave a comment that not only myself but Al would be proud of as well. To be honest Al watched my brother and I grow up at the ice arena. If we were at hockey practice, sharpening our skates, if we were just at the arena, or there just trying to get the zam drivers attention, Al was always there. The arena was his second home, as many of us can claim as well. Al was always a pleasure to be around, and always asked me, "how are you doing today amanda?, is the family doing well? tell them i said hello." AL was always trying to please others before himself. I even got the pleasure to work for him for 6 years at the pool and the ice arena. Al was a great person and he will be deeply missed by everyone.
well we are starting the hockey season and it just does not feel right without Al here. I know that we are all moving on, but it has been tough for the staff here at the arena. Everyday we pass the "IN MEMORY OF AL PAYNE" on the ice surface and think of him. He was a good mentor and someone that we all looked up to. We still miss you Al.
Good for people to know.
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