B. Britton Payne

B. Britton Payne, 79, a lifelong Duluth resident passed away June 24, 2020 at Benedictine Health Center. Britt was born September 19, 1940 in Duluth. He married Karla Kovero in 1963 and they were married for 56 years.

Britt was preceded in death by his parents, C. Bertram and Clarice Spornitz Payne and daughter Mary Lynn Benko. Britt is survived by his wife, Karla, son Robert (Paul Snyder), sister Marian Eisenberg, son-in-law Michael Benko, granddaughters Krista (Trevor) Tracey, Anna Benko (Jason Block), great grandson Henrik Tracey, niece Linda Eisenberg and nephew Timothy Eisenberg.

Britt was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Business Administration, he joined the 125th National Guard. Britt started working in management for US Steel in 1963 at the Duluth Works plant. He transferred to Minntac in 1972 and then the DM&IR Railroad in 1976. He retired in 2000.

Britt was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. Many great trips were made to the BWCAW over the years, primarily around the Gunflint Trail. He enjoyed wonderful times with the family at their cabin on Bassett Lake in Brimson, MN.

Curling was his passion and he was a member of the National Champion Men’s Team in 1964. His teams also won three Minnesota State Championships. Britt served the community through board positions at Goodwill Industries (16 years), the Duluth Curling Club, the DM&IR Veterans and as President of the Bassett-Cadotte Lakes Assoc. Britt was a member of Kenwood Lutheran Church, where he served on many boards.

A private family service will be held. The family would like to thank the Benedictine Health Center for their attentive care. Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Kenwood Lutheran Church, 2720 Myers Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811.