Obituary of Jeffery PAYLISS

November 23, 1946 - Revelstoke, British Columbia
April 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Jeff Payliss of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 73 years. He was born in Revelstoke, BC on November 23rd, 1946.

Jeff was a proud and hard-working man; he will be remembered for his charisma and tenderness. Jeff was the kind of man who would hold up lines at the grocery store just to get a laugh out of the cashier, or even go out of his way to share one of his favourite mints with a passer-by. Jeff always sought to make others smile. Often at the drive-through of a fast food restaurant he would order his food in his signature Donald Duck voice, getting a chuckle out of the fast food employee. 

Although Jeff wore many hats during his working years his proudest were spent as a heavy equipment operator. Jeff was passionate about mechanics and transforming earth into buildings and roads. He loved everything about motorcycles, was a tenured outdoorsman and an avid reader. One of Jeff’s favourite books was Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Jeff also loved music and had an affinity for old rock n roll, the blues and of course Jimmy Buffet. One of his favorite songs of all time was “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay” by Ottis Redding. He also loved a good meal and had his quirky orders when you offered to grab him something from McDonalds – “A Big Mac, No pickles, No Onions and HALF the Lettuce.” Or “Can you pick me up a chocolate milk shake with half the chocolate?” 

When asked how he was doing, the usual response was, “well I can’t dance and I’m too fat to fly…”

Jeff is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Brendan Toner, and his grandson Lochlan Toner; his son Brandon Payliss, as well as Amber and Brandon’s mother, Diane Podwysocki. He is also survived by his son, Todd Payliss and his grandchildren, Savannah Payliss and Beau Payliss; and Todd’s mother Bonnie Payliss.

Jeff adored his children and grandchildren. Being the lover of the great outdoors that he was, he instilled this appreciation for the outdoor world into his kids Amber and Brandon. Teaching them to fly fish at a young age and always telling them that the best fly out there was an elk hair caddis with an olive green body. He was proud of all of his kids, each in their own way and he was not afraid to tell you all about them if you happened to strike up conversation with him. Jeff was able to enjoy some quality time with his grandson Lochlan in the years before his death, always telling Lochlan that when he was old enough Grandpa will be the first one to have a beer with him. His exact words were “Lochlan, one day Grandpa and you will have a beer and chase women!”

He was predeceased by his loving mother Peggy Nociar, his daughter Angie Flemming, and by his beloved Collie, Tia Maria.

Jeff sincerely loved his mum, Peggy. Together, they enjoyed billiards and the blues, savouring moments of banter after a few closet smokes. Throughout the years they conversed daily with seemingly no lack of words. Their bond was as radiant as it was essential to one another.

Jeff will be remembered for his soft nature, charismatic personality, good looks (especially those piercing blue eyes) and his charm. He will be remembered through every fish caught, every rustle in the trees as a deer roams by, every time a Janis Joplin hit comes on the radio. He will be remembered through his grandchildren’s laughter as they play. 

The impression Jeff made on so many people will continue to live on. He made countless positive impacts on people throughout his life, leaving his imprint on many and that will never be forgotten. 

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jeff’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jeff Payliss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.