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Percy Payette Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Percival “Percy” Léon Payette on January 7, 2025, after a brief illness. Percy was the beloved husband and best friend of Noreen, the proud father of Alexander (Mikayla) and Nicholas and a doting grandfather to his beautiful new grandson, Nolan James. Percy will be greatly missed by his brother Charles (Bonnie) and his niece Bethany (Phil) and their children, Sawyer and Jameson. In addition, he was adored by his huge extended family including Mike, Joan (Charles), Sheila, Pete (Joan), Peter, Lily (Russell), Leonard (Lorraine), Keith, Carol, Gwen and all their children and grandchildren. Percy will also be missed by his four legged buddy Fenway. He will be reunited in heaven with those who have gone before him including his parents, Dorothy (Charlie) and Léon, Noreen’s parents, James and Alice Kinlin, and many other loved ones including Mary Anne, Elaine, Francis, Catherine, Brian, Theresa, Claudio, Roberta, Aunt Becky, Uncle Collier, and many members of the Moloney clan.
Percy was truly a force of nature, both literally and figuratively. His indomitable spirit permeated everything he did. You were never bored when you were with Percy. He always had a million stories to share and expressed a genuine interest in all those who were fortunate enough to meet him. He had an uncanny ability to relate to a wide variety of individuals, regardless of their circumstances. He was inquisitive about everything from politics to science to ecology to what spice to add to his world-famous squash soup on Thanksgiving. Percy’s gifts were many and wide ranging. He was a master craftsman and furniture builder whose creations fill the homes of many friends, family members and customers across the country. He was also a gifted artist who loved to paint and create beautiful, thought-provoking artwork in different media. In addition, he had recently begun writing a biography of his dear friend, Paul, whose life off-the-grid was an inspiration to him. When he wasn’t involved in the creative process, Percy could often be found in the back yard tending to whatever cut of meat he was smoking and barbecuing to perfection. His brisket was a work of art in itself.
Percy’s calling in life was to work with young people and, as a teacher, a coach and a mentor, his impact on the lives of countless children will live on forever. He took a special interest in those students who marched to a different drummer because he was one of their tribe. He inspired them but was also inspired by them. It was not unusual for him to pick up the phone and hear the voice of a student whom he had taught a decade or more earlier. Sometimes it was just to chat, but more often than not, it was to ask for his advice, something which he had given generously throughout his career as a teacher of Visual Arts—and life.
Percy’s passion for nature was extraordinary and contagious. Taking a walk through the forest with him would inevitably lead one to know more about trees and plants than one had ever thought possible. In addition to having degrees in Fine Art and Education, Percy also had a diploma in Forestry, so his fervent love for nature was matched by his knowledge of its intricacies. One of Percy’s favourite places on earth was Limberlost in Huntsville where he spent his childhood summers at the “height of land” with his Uncle Collier and where, later on, he shared many unforgettable vacations with family and friends who soon became like family. When he wasn’t planning unique and elaborate scavenger hunts for the kids to participate in, he enjoyed swimming in Lake Solitaire, cannonballing into Buck Lake, hiking up to Porky’s Peak or making the trek to Echo Rock, the site where, forty years ago, he had gotten down on one knee and asked Noreen to be his wife. In more recent times, the dock at Sandy Lake had become his place in the sun, and he would head there every afternoon to curl up in his favourite Muskoka chair and read the latest dog-eared novel, pulled from his vast collection. If he wasn’t at the lake, you could find Percy holding court in the hot tub having “teacher talk” with Nick after school. Golfing at The Quarry with Alex, Mikayla, Nick, and all of their friends was also a favourite pastime. When little Nolan arrived on the scene, he became the fifth person in the foursome and Papa Perce loved this even more than a great tee shot.
If there was one thing that defined Percy’s life, it was his love for his family. Noreen, Alex, Nick, Mikayla, and Nolan were the centre of his world. He was the proud patriarch, sitting at the head of the huge, hand-made wooden dining table in their beautiful log home, urging everyone to join hands and pray before a celebratory meal. He inevitably called to mind those who weren’t able to be present any longer and always remembered them in his prayer. His sense of humour, which was legendary, brought joy and life to every gathering and it is truly impossible to imagine a world without him. He loved life and showed this in everything he did. The unique stylings of ‘The Leptones’ musical trio of Percy, Mike and Chuck brought joy to many family celebrations. Alex and Nick, as well as his nieces and nephews, Bethy, Kim, Matthew and Daniel, will carry on his legacy and teach the newest family member, Nolan, all about his Papa Perce and what a special man he was.
He will be missed but never forgotten. The legend of the ‘Perce Man’ will live on forever!
Percy’s family would like to thank the staff at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, especially the ICU nurses and doctors, for their loving care during such a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to donate to any of the following:
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (Intensive Care Unit or Campaign for PRHC)
Ennismore Minor Hockey Association Fair Access Program (eagles.treasurer1@gmail.com)
St. Martin Catholic Elementary School
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Ennismore, Ont
The family would love for you to plant a tree on your property in Percy’s memory or to arrange for the planting of a tree through an organization such as A Living Tribute (www.alivingtribute.ca/ ).
Visitation, Funeral & Reception Details:
Visitation: Friday, January 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Highland Park Funeral Centre, Peterborough, Ontario. Parish prayers during the evening visitation.
Funeral Mass: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. St. Martin of Tours, Ennismore, Ontario.
In tribute to Percy, the family is encouraging everyone to wear their favourite plaid attire or accessory to the funeral mass to celebrate his spirit for life.
Burial: Percy will be laid to rest in St. Martin’s cemetery adjacent to the church after the mass. If joining the family for the burial ceremony, please wear suitable footwear for the short walk into the cemetery.
Reception: Please join with family and friends after the burial at Jesse’s Tap & Grill in Ennismore where a light lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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December 13 1958 January 7 2025 66 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario
death notice Percy Leon Payette December 13 1958 January 7 2025 66 Years Old
obituaries notice Percy Leon Payette December 13 1958 January 7 2025 66 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Percy Leon Payette December 13 1958 January 7 2025 66 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
