Michael William Payment
Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mike Payment, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, who left us peacefully on May 14, 2025, following a cardiovascular event. Mike was 84 years old and passed away in Lake Elsinore, California, where he spent his later years building community and enjoying the peaceful life he valued.

Born in Monroe, Michigan, on September 23, 1940, Mike carried with him the Midwestern warmth and integrity that shaped who he was. He spent much of his career in the Public Works industry, eventually retiring as an Engineering Inspector for the City of Lake Elsinore. Mike’s dedication to improving communities was evident throughout his life—from his early leadership as a Business Manager for a local union in Michigan to helping local cities build safe housing and sound infrastructure.

Mike had a diplomat’s heart and a good ole boy’s charm. Warm, kind, and fair, he had a natural ability to make people feel at ease. He believed in peaceful, easygoing interactions and had a knack for listening, understanding, and making others laugh. He was the kind of man who was always ready to lend a helping hand and who found joy in simple, meaningful moments with the people (and pets) he loved most.

An avid sailor, Mike found great pride in his sailboat Enzo, and treasured the epic journey he took with his brother Frank and son Shawn, sailing from Northern California to Oceanside. He loved playing cards, reading a good book, sipping wine, and smoking the perfect BBQ. Time spent with his family, his best friend Jeff Martinez, and his four beloved dogs brought him great joy. Whether it was sharing a laugh or watching the Hallmark Channel with his family, Mike made every moment count.

One of his proudest personal accomplishments was designing and remodeling his wife’s childhood cabin in Arrowbear Lake, California—a true labor of love. He was also deeply committed to his community, serving for several years as President of the Cottonwood Canyon Hills Homeowners Association. His service and leadership left a lasting legacy.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Dar; his sons Shawn and Steve; his stepson Einar; his sister Grace; his brothers Jim, Jerry, Glenn, and David; his sister-in-law Maya; his best friend Jeff Martinez and Jeff's wife Caroline; his surrogate son and daughter Scott and Melissa; and his four treasured fur children: Amberly, Jillie, Lambchop, and Poohbear.

He was preceded in death by his father Arley, mother Edith, brother Frank, and brother-in-law Pete.

Mike would want to be remembered as the easygoing, fair, and fun-loving man that he was—a kind soul with a generous heart, who lived life on his own terms and made the world a little better just by being in it.

A Celebration of Life will be held at an announced date in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Mike’s honor to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles or the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center—two causes close to his heart.