Donald K. Payne, 77, of Acton, died peacefully in hospice care on Saturday, December 12, 2020 with his wife, Maxine by his side. The cause was complications from Parkinson's and retinitis pigmentosa. Don had a wonderful life. He often said so himself. He passionately loved his family and friends, music and laughter, telling stories and silly jokes, picnics in any weather, even winter; movies, the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox. He was a great gardener and a lover of the natural world, but his true calling was that of a teacher. He had a long career in management development as a consultant whose specialties were goal setting, team building, executive selection and career coaching. He worked both nationally and internationally with governments, corporations, and universities. His travels took him all over the world, and he loved that too. He was wise, compassionate, funny and kind. He was a great listener, and a believer in the notion that each of us writes the story of our own lives. He took joy always and enriched the lives of so many by his journey. Don is survived by his wife Maxine, of Acton; his daughter Kelly Smith and three grandchildren; Kyle, Abby, and Sarah of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his son and daughter-in-law Andy and Zsuzsi Payne of Las Vegas, Nevada; his brother and sister-in-law Gary and Judy Payne of West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as nephews Jeremy, Jason, and Jonathan, and niece Joyelle, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Darrel and Phyllis Lemke of Stuart, Virginia, as well as many friends far and near. Don's family will gather for a private celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Don's name to The Umbrella Center for the Arts, or The Nature Connection. The address for both organizations is 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA 01742. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.