DELMAR – Walter Douglas "Doug" Payne, 60, of Delmar, passed away on January 18, 2023, from complications due to lymphoma. As a young man, he was valedictorian of his class at George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia. He graduated phi beta kappa from the University of Virginia and obtained his Doctorate in English from Northwestern University. He then became a tenured professor at the University of San Diego. Later in life, he worked as the senior editor at the Office of the New York State Comptroller. Doug's life was devoted to curiosity, generosity, kindness, and love. He was also very very funny. He deeply and passionately loved his children, Marshall Roberts-Payne, Simone Roberts-Payne, his wife, Jackie Roberts, both of his brothers, Christopher and Gregory, his mother, Betty Lou McKeon, and the Los Angeles Lakers. ***UPDATE ON SERVICE DAY & TIMES*** Relatives and Friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Doug's Family on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 1-3PM in the Chapel of Simple Choices, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) Troy, NY 12180. A Funeral Service will follow at 3PM in the funeral home. We welcome all vaccinated guests. Doug will be, in his own words: "flourishing on this side of paradise." In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to: Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Inc. (www.PlannedParentHood.org/planned-parenthood-upper-hudson) Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the Roberts-Payne Families, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com