Ed Payne was an important contributor to the MadDogs from his arrival in 1987 or '88. He and Jim Orr were recognized as "new runners" at our fall banquet in 1988, and over the years Ed was named "Most Improved" -- twice, in 1989 and 1991; must be a story there -- and "Cheerleader" in 1997. He also received the Coach's Award in 1998, the top honor from our Top Dog, Phil Montgomery. He and Ed Morris, along with Dennis Rosen and Morrie Faiman, all received the Golden Shoe in 1998. In 2005, Ed and Gary Henry both received the "Halfway to Leadville" award; they both tried, but didn't quite complete, the Leadville 100-mile that year. Ed also received the Comeback Runner award both in 2011 and 2015; must be another story there.

In 2017, capping off 29 years since they were both New Runners, Ed and Jim Orr both received the Century Club award for running 100 total miles in our annual predicted-time run (only 3 or 4 miles per year). Only six runners have achieved that honor.

Ed and I both received the first John Bunce award and T-shirt in 1991 for coming closest to our predicted times for the annual 4-mile run. John had died earlier that year, and this was the first year for that award. Ed won it again in 1994.

Dick Lipsey

Dear Payne family,

Please accept my condolences for the passing of your father.  When I first started running with the Maddogs, Ed was an elite runner and I spent most of the run near the back of the pack.  As we both grew older, our pace became closer and we ran together more frequently.  Bob Hanzlik, Wes Hubert, myself, Ed Morris and your father often started together at noon in the most recent years.  So, although I knew Ed for a number of years, we ran together  and grew to know each other more in recent times.  I enjoyed his company.  He liked to talk about races that he had run, but he also shared stories about growing up in San Diego.  I know that Ed had a true love for the Maddogs.  He could easily visit with any of us, before, during or after the run.  Ed was also willing to speak at the annual Maddog picnic. We will all miss him.  As a Maddog, he was one of the best.

Jim Orr

Dear Payne family,

I am writing to express my very sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.  As you can easily infer from the notes and comments from our Mad Dog running group, your father was a very special member of our group.  I started running with the group in the fall of 1988 and Ed was a very important part of my early experiences.  He had a very positive habit of making newbies feel welcome.  When a new runner joined in, I would always see your father glide (he had a very unique, easy running style) over to the newbie to have a welcoming conversation. He was an endless source of information about the art and science of running --- which he enjoyed sharing.  He once correctly diagnosed a running injury of mine that had eluded the abilities of the orthopedist I had visited to do so.  And through all of the conversations and camaraderie, he was always good humored and enjoyable to be around --- unless you questioned some of his training advice --- at which point he could get a wee bit cantankerous!  He was, quite simply, a good guy who was a key ingredient to the recipe that made the Mad Dogs so special to so many of us.  I will miss him. We will all miss him. We shall all certainly remember him. 

Regards,

JimG

In all the years I knew Ed, I never knew his given name was "Eddie".  RIP to our long-time, somewhat eccentric, somewhat cantankerous running buddy Ed "Eddie" ("I'm with Ed") Payne.  May you be lifted up with wings upon your running shoes .

I ran with Ed frequently early in my early mad dogs days.  We would talk beer, San Diego vs Portland.  Ed brought me a Stone Brewing flagship IPA called Arrogant Bastard.  The label advises you: "This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth.​"  That was correct in my case.  Fortunately, I still have Bill Reetz who sent me home from the last maddog event with a much better new Lawrence IPA in my suitcase.

Dave Faurot

We are very sad to hear of Ed's loss.  He was one of the reasons I looked forward to running, which perhaps mystified some of my non-running friends.  Ed was always supportive to me and would occasionally run my pace and encourage me.  He was closely matched in speed with David, and they were running buddies.  Ed was very competitive, and there was nothing better he loved to do than beat Dave in a race.  They competed in many Dam Runs, Sandrat Runs, and, of course, the annual Mad Dogs run.  In the early days, Ed would frequently beat Dave, and he loved to regale me with stories about the race.  He also liked to tease.  We miss our Mad Dog friends and runs, and we will especially miss Ed.

Our sympathies to Phyllis, who Ed often spoke of fondly, and his daughters.

Best,

Debbie Faurot

Ed was a wonderful friend, running buddy, and my go-to craft beer drinking buddy.  Our last big adventure was in August 2018; we crewed for the 9th-place finisher at the Leadville Trail 100-miler, (Cory Logsdon).  We camped-out all week a few miles down from Ed's property out there.

I really loved this guy. He always made me smile.

Sincerely, Ben Holmes

Dear Payne family,

I am so sad that your father passed away. He was such a good friend to me. The memories the other Mad Dogs have shared are similar to mine. The encouragement and good company on our noon runs. He gave me the confidence to run with the Sandrats one Wednesday evening, saying it was time for me to take my running to a new level. Putting me in the right place, and a bit of nudging on Ed’s part, he got Brian and I together. Ed was a matchmaker but never wanted to take credit for it. He did like to tell that story over and over though.

When my dad had his farm sale and I watched my childhood memories auctioned off, I had a moment where it got to me. Out of nowhere Ed was there and let me cry on his shoulder. Other times when we were enjoying coffee together or a beer, he was a great listener. 

Before Ed matched me up with my future husband he knew I may not have had a place to spend the holidays. I remember a very enjoyable Thanksgiving at his house. I found out how wonderful his family is. Another time he invited me over for some chili he made. That chili was darn good! Of course it would be. Running wasn’t the only thing we talked about when he took breaks at my desk at the Computer Center. We discussed cooking and what makes a good recipe. I learned a lot from him.

Ed surprised Brian and I more than once with an unexpected visit to our house in Las Vegas. Once he walked in right past me in the doorway, camera in hand, and took photos of every room in our house. I loved how he felt so comfortable with us to do that. Even though he showed up unannounced he was always welcome. Zabrina, you and the rest of your family are still welcome. I do not want to lose touch with all of you. I miss Ed so much but I have a good life to live with many good friends thanks to him.

Dawn Pawley

Although I am only Mad Dog by marriage, Ed and I go way back to the late 70s when we raced each other often, and put in many miles on the river trails before they were Sandrat trails. The only thing we talked about was running, so he was more a familiar face than a friend. I got to know Ed well enough in the late 90s to be one of the many to help him move at which time I learned of his carpentry skills, and we had a new thing to talk about.Once Ed pointed out my lack of observational skills, he and Mike Harmon prodded me into asking Dawn out. A man with a way for words, he told me just because I was teaching middle school, I didn’t need to act like a middle schooler: ask the girl out. Once Dawn and I moved to Las Vegas, I probably saw Ed more often. He was a man devoted to family and friends. He was one of our first guests as he brought out items that didn’t fit in our UHaul. We were able to meet his parents here in Vegas and his kids in San Diego. We also spent many miles on desert and mountain trails.He could point out numerous geographic formations and probably never saw a mine he didn’t want to learn the history of. Greg Burger and I hiked with him in at least four mountain ranges. He had the biggest ultralight backpack I ever saw. I don’t think I ever beat him in a fire starting contest. Ed had the ability to drive me crazy and want to hike away and leave him in the woods, but also the instinct to draw me back in like the rest of us evidenced by all these postings.

Brian Pawley

A few more words about your father, Ed. I left Kansas for Tours, France (where we remain) in 2006, and probably last saw and ran with Ed in early 2005 or late 2004. Nonetheless, I remember him as if it were yesterday.
Ed was one of the first maddogs that I got to know when I began running with the noon group in 1997, and he certainly was most welcoming. The maddogs talked varying amounts while running, and Ed was one of the more vocal. Quirky or not, he was full of athletic advice - largely valuable (e.g. getting physical therapy) - opinions of all sorts, and genuine interest in the rest of us. His sports counsel was not limited to running ; I spent several years in the pool while recovering from knee problems, and Ed, who was a decent swimmer and could be seen in the pool from time to time, pointed out how I could improve my turns - always a weakness - and coordinate them better with breathing.
We all miss our good-natured friend.

Michael Greenfield

So sorry to hear this! My husband (David Bateman) and I ran with Ed in the late 80s and early 90s. Yes as some have commented he could be a curmudgeon—on several occasions he schooled me on the superiority of PCs to MACs (I have always been a MAC user). But he was always kind and made the miles pass by. A good guy.

Lisa Dorrill

Dear Payne family,

Thank you for staying in touch about Ed with Dick and the remaining Mad Dogs’ Noon Group. I was so sad to hear of his death. He seemed invincible.  Of the remaining running Eds – him and me – he was, in all ways, the better Ed.  I will miss him a lot.  The world is a lesser place, now.  My deepest condolences to you and your family.  

Best regards,

 Ed Morris

While our paths diverged some years ago, I would be remiss in not acknowledging Ed's part in introducing me to what became lifelong passions -- trail- and ultra-running. I was unfamiliar with both until 2001, when Ed invited me to join his family in running the Pikes Peak Ascent. His son-in-law had to drop out, so Ed invited me to fill the spot. We had so much fun, that we did the "double" in 2002 -- Ascent on Saturday, and Marathon, Sunday. The following year he talked me into the Leadville Trail 100, and though I DNFed that first attempt, I was hooked, and completed my 12th 100-mile trail run just last year. Ed could be a difficult customer at times, but I will always be grateful for the amazing world he opened up for me -- and for many others through me. Good job.

Gary Henry

My condolences to Phyllis and family.  May God comfort you in your loss.  I always enjoyed talking with Ed over the years on the occasions we had as neighbors, aerobic class participants and training partners for two marathons.  He had a unique way of  looking at things that kept conversations lively and participants engaged.  Whether you agreed or disagreed, were enlightened or not, it was always fun and made the time pass quicker.  Not many people have that ability and Ed's presence will be greatly missed.

Charlie Shelton

I didn’t know Ed as a running partner, as many of you did, but he was always kind, friendly, and talkative whenever we would meet. I too remember helping with the  move on Tillerman, and his directing skills were amazing. Ed has always been such a part of our community, and it does seem a bit sadder and emptier now that he is gone. I send my thoughts and love to Phyllis and the girls.

Thinks for sharing this information Dick. Your sharing of the tribute was nice. Jim Guthrie mentioned “eccentric and cantankerous”, which is how I knew Ed too. He and I rode motorcycles out to run the Pikes Peak Marathon a number of years ago. He was on an old (new to him) Honda 750 which had a few issues. I remember being somewhat astounded at the lack of maintenance the bike had. Our last 15 miles to Colorado Springs was rainy, and the newly laid asphalt had traction similar to ice. I was leading, and slowed down to what I thought was still not a very safe speed. When we arrived in CS, Ed, with a few months of riding experience, asked me, with 25 years (at the time) of experience, why I was going so slow at the end. He was a character.

Sad to see him go.

--Steve Riley

Ed and I ran many miles together over more than three decades. During the years we both worked in the computer center there were many times when, if one of us missed a day or two of noon running, the other would stop by his desk and ask, "Are you running today?" I like to think I sometimes helped keep him motivated; I know he helped me.

Wes Hubert

I came to KU in 1985, and Ed and I began running together sometime in the late '80s. We enjoyed talking about running, and it soon turned out that we both wanted to do longer runs. We ran the Lincoln Marathon in 1989 along with Mike Johnson and Charlie Shelton. Lincoln was my 15th marathon but only Ed's second and Charlie's first. After retiring from the Army and starting a second career, I didn't run marathons for several years. Then Ed ran the 100th anniversary Boston Marathon in '96, I ran Wichita that fall, and we decided to run some more together: Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arizona, all in '97 and '98.

A few memories stand out. A 6:00 a.m. start in 30-degree weather on a December morning in Altus, Oklahoma. It was a point-to-point course with only 20 starters, the first 10 miles in the countryside and the last 16 along a busy state road. We drove back that day in heavy snow from the Oklahoma border to Lawrence. In 2003 we ran an ultramarthon in a state forest in Mississippi shortly after a hurricane had flooded much of the course and made for interesting running conditions.

I got a cardiac pacemaker in 2009 (living in Colorado then), and after a full year of training, my comeback marathon was at Blue Springs, Mo., in October 2010 along with Ed, Charlie Shelton, and some others. I remember meeting Ben Holmes on the course and running a ways with him.

Our last big race together was the Land Between the Lakes trail marathon at Lake Barkley, Kentucky, in February 2011. Ed took a spill and bloodied his leg, but we both made it. Ed ran the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego marathon later that year, his last marathon as far as I know.

Ed had some heart problems, and I recall visiting him in the hospital and taking him the latest copy of Ultrarunning magazine. His first major race after that was a trail half-marathon in St. Mary's (near Topeka), where I beat him for the first time in a while. His comeback seemed complete when the ran the Marine Corps Marathon that fall.

Ed started the MadDogs website sometime in the late '90s and turned it over to me in 2001. I actively updated it through 2018 along with a monthly e-mail newsletter. By the last few years, there weren't many active runners left, hardly anyone was still running races, and the numbers for the traditional noon run on campus had dwindled to just a few. I've kept the website online and will do so for a couple of years more for anyone who wants to look over old photos, race results, and club records. The history of the early days and the group's origins in the early '70s, especially the role of Phil Montgomery, make for especially interesting reading.

It was fun while it lasted.

Dick Lipsey

I first met Ed Payne in the early ‘90s when I began working in the building on the KU campus where he was a fixture in the Chemistry supply room.  It only took a trip or two to the supply room to get to know Ed.  Soon he was encouraging me to run with the Mad Dogs, and when I first showed up to sort of observe from a hesitant distance, he immediately swept me up and introduced me to the group.  That was Ed, and that was the group: welcoming, encouraging, and great running companionship.

It wasn’t long before Ed and I struck up a solid running bond, training together as much as possible, taking long runs together, and racing.  Our pace was similar, so it was natural.  After hearing the news, I looked through all of my old racing shirts I had saved from back then, and I had no doubt that Ed had run all of those races with me.

We had trained together to run the 100th Boston Marathon in the spring of 1996.  Ed was a fount of knowledge for me as I had never trained for, let alone run, a marathon.  We put in the miles, ran several half-marathons, and got ready to run the Wichita Marathon as the Boston qualifier.  Unfortunately, I stress fractured a femur and had to shut it down, but Ed went on to qualify and to run Boston.  I don’t know if he was prouder or I more envious of that sweet 100th Boston finisher jacket he returned with.

Soon after that, I took a job that moved me to Atlanta.  Thanks to Dick Lipsey I was able to keep up with the Mad Dogs and Ed’s exploits.  Every year I would try to plan to return for the September meet-up to see the group and to run with Ed again, but each year life got in the way.  Given the recent events, I will regret not returning forever.  But, in the spirit of Ed, I will strive to make sure I have no other such regrets, strive to not let life’s moments slip by, and of course, strive to run faster each day.

Ed, you were my best friend and I will miss you very much.

Tim McGrath

Ed was one of the first people I met among the Mad Dogs. I was a newbie. He ran with me on a route that went down Massachusetts Street, pointing out where his wife worked at the courthouse. I didn’t have any running stories to share, but I loved hearing about the group and some of their memorable runs together. He was always friendly at the Saturday morning levee runs. He was a very nice introduction to the running group.

Fran Breslauer

This is very sad news. Ed was an original and exemplified the contrarian comrade spirit of the Mad Dogs and of long distance runners generally. I enjoyed running and talking with him. He challenged me to do better. He sympathized with my aches and pains but powered through his own and set an example. I am shocked he has passed. 

Thanks for letting us know, Dick. I hope you and all my MadDogs friends are well.

Best, Ann Cudd

Ed was one of my favorites to run with at noon. We had a similar pace and love of computer tech. We always had great conversations - just a fun guy to be around. It is very sad that he has left us.

Dennis​ Rosen

A good man. Rest in peace Ed. Prepare the way for us all to reassemble for our daily noon run in the next life.

Tony Redwood

Dick, thank you for letting us know this sad news. Claire (writing for Max, who has fractured two vertebrae)

Max and Clare Sutton

Met Ed many years ago. A class act. Will miss him.

Morrie Faiman

Hi, Dick

It has been a while since we corresponded but thanks for keeping me on the list serve. I was saddened to see that Ed Payne had passed away.  During the winter of 2005 when I taught at KU and ran with the Maddogs during the lunch hour,  Ed was part of a small group that I could keep pace with for five to seven miles, my limit back then. I REMEMBER Ed as a warm and caring person with a generous spirit. He was even a hugger, which I initially found odd, but grew to accept. He made me feel welcome and I looked forward to the weekly runs even in the bitter Lawrence, KS, winter. I think about that semester often because people like Ed and yourselves made me feel at home and part of the group. He will be missed.

Al Broussard (visiting professor at KU from Texas A&M, 2005)