AUGUSTA — Robert Thomas "Robbie" Payne, 63, born May 7, 1950, in Colon, Canal Zone, Panama, passed away peacefully in his sleep Nov. 10, 2013, in Augusta, due to complications from a prolonged illness.

After graduating from Balboa High School, Robbie worked as an electrical apprentice for the Panama Canal Co. on the locks. Then he joined the U.S. Army and served from August 1970 to August 1973. He worked as a radio relay specialist for the Army Air Defense Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In 1976, he received an associate’s degree in business administration with honors from Canal Zone College in Panama.

In 1979, Robbie graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, specializing in accounting, from Lake Superior State College in Michigan.

Robbie worked for the Association for Research and Enlightenment in 1977. From 1978-1981, he worked for Northland Office Supplies and Equipment, where he repaired typewriters and mechanical adders. In the 1980s-90s, Robbie worked as a motion picture operator at The Strand Theater in Rockland.

Robbie enjoyed walking on the beach and hiking in the woods, reading books about mathematical oddities and the philosophy of science, and collecting coins.

He is survived by his mother, Elaine Donaldson; and his brother, Arthur C. Payne Jr., both of New Mexico; and his nieces, Patricia Payne of Arizona and Erin Blohm of New Mexico.

A private service will be held.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.