Obituary: Pierre Patrick Payment of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Pierre Patrick Payment Passes Away at Age 54 in Brimley, Michigan

Pierre Patrick Payment, a 54-year-old resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on September 24, 2026, in Brimley, Michigan, Family Life Funeral Homes reported. Born on March 9, 1972, in Sault Ste. Marie to parents James and Lois (Smith) Payment, he spent his formative years growing up on Sugar Island. He later launched a career working on tugboats throughout the Great Lakes, establishing a lifelong connection to the water and the outdoors.

Life on the Great Lakes and Travels Across America

Following his early days on Sugar Island, Payment worked across the Great Lakes aboard tugboats. He became a father to his son, Cameron. For many years, he traveled extensively across the United States alongside his first significant other, Kelley. Following Kelley’s passing in 2019, Payment met Amy, and the couple established a home together in Pennsylvania. After Amy’s death, Payment returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie.

Retirement in Sault Ste. Marie and Tribal Heritage

Although officially retired, Payment maintained an active lifestyle. He cut trees with Top Notch Tree Service and spent much of his time camping and enjoying the outdoors. He was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Known as a strong and determined individual, Payment lived life on his own terms and enjoyed watching his favorite movie, Lonesome Dove, when he was indoors.

Payment Is Survived by Family and Smokey

Payment is survived by his son, Cameron Waite of Sault Ste. Marie; his mother, Lois Payment; brothers Ed Payment of Hessel, Michigan, and Steven Payment of Sugar Island, Michigan; and sisters Krista Jones, Sandra St. Onge, and Andrea Payment, all of Sugar Island. He is also survived by the mother of his son, Aneen Stallman, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his dog, Smokey. He was preceded in death by his father, James Payment; sister Karen Payment; brother Nathan “Toddy” Payment; sisters-in-law Myrl and Deb Payment; and significant others Amy Swanderski and Kelly Shahata.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, beginning at 11:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, located at 377 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. A luncheon will follow the service at the Sugar Island Community Center, located at 6401 E 1 ½ Mile Rd on Sugar Island. Family Life Funeral Homes of Sault Ste. Marie handled the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family via www.familylifefh.com.