It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Paul Richard "Rick" Paynter, announce his passing on Friday July 18, 2014, after an extended and courageous battle with ill health. Rick passed away in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII surrounded by the love and support of his family. He was 67-years-old.
Rick was born on August 13, 1946 in French River, P.E.I., the son of the late Roland and Patsy (Petitpas) Paynter. Rick was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 42 years, Dr. Susan (Ayers) Paynter; his beloved children, daughter Janice (Glenna) and son David (Lindsay). Rick was delighted to be a grandfather to David and Lindsay's son "little man Caiman" and his soon-to-be-born sister. Rick is survived by all of his siblings; Marilyn Prescott (Bill) of Baie Verte N.B., Carolyn Paynter (Blair) of Charlottetown, P.E.I., Thelma Paynter of Morell P.E.I., Roland "Junior" Paynter (Mary) of Tignish P.E.I. and Wendell Paynter of Souris P.E.I. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Chris Ayers (Elaine) of Barrie ON, sisters-in-law Cathy Horne of Murray River P.E.I., Sheila Ayers of Toronto, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rick received an early education in P.E.I. and graduated with his Engineering Diploma from Saint Dunstans University, P.E.I. in 1969. He then proceeded to study in Halifax and received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Technical University of N.S. in 1972.
He began his professional career at the Nova Scotia Housing Commission as resident engineer in Sackville and Forest Hills Land Assemblies from 1972 to 1974. From 1974-1976 he worked for PetroFina as coordinator of construction and operations. In 1976, Rick returned to N.S. Housing Commission as the manager of land development in Forest Hills. In 1984, Rick became town engineer of Bedford, a position he held until HRM's amalgamation in 1996. From 1996 to retirement he worked with HRM as manager of design and construction services and later Director of Transportation and Public Works. Ill health forced early retirement in June 2005.
Rick was a member of many professional associations, including being a member and councillor of APENS, a member of the Engineering Institute of Canada and a Chapter President of the Canadian and American Public Works Association. In retirement, Rick also served on the board of directors of the Halifax Water Commission.
Rick had a passionate life-long interest in the fiddle and played many a tune at family get-togethers and halls. He loved working around his one-acre property on various projects. In retirement, Rick and Sue were fortunate to have "seized- the-day" and lived life to the fullest. Family and friends were blessed to celebrate with them, at the renewal of their wedding vows in 2012 for their 40th anniversary.
Rick and Sue enjoyed all kinds of travel; making yearly trips to Barbados since 2005, where they made many treasured friends. They also went on many cruises including a cruise on the Queen Mary II and a Rhine River cruise in Europe. Many road trips included one across Canada to visit Dave and Lindsay in Alberta. In February 2014, Rick and Sue achieved a lifelong dream of driving to Florida; made possible by going with sister Marilyn and her husband Bill.
On Rick's behalf, we would like to thank all the wonderful family and friends that sent cards, emails, food, treats and visited him in hospital during his final 11 weeks. The family also wants to thank all the dedicated caregivers and staff at the Halifax Infirmary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the QEII Foundation or the Bedford United Church.
This gentle man of incredible strength, honour, courage and kindness fought so bravely to stay longer with us. Rest in peace dearest Rick.
Visitation will be Tuesday July 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Atlantic Funeral Homes, 125 Sackville Drive. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday July 23 at Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway. A grave-side service will be planned at a later date, for Rick's final resting place at Gettie's Memorial Cemetery in Spring Brook, P.E.I.

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