Heartfelt Tribute to Silver Cross Mother: Honoring a Son Lost to Afghanistan Roadside Bomb
On April 22, 2006, a devastating call changed Nancy Payne’s life forever. The phone rang early that morning, waking her from sleep near Gananoque, Ontario. It was Corporal Randy Payne’s commanding officer, delivering heartbreaking news about a roadside bomb incident in Afghanistan.
Tragic Loss of Corporal Randy Payne
Corporal Payne was driving with three fellow soldiers when their military vehicle struck a roadside bomb. He lost his life in the explosion alongside Corporal Matthew Dinning, Bombardier Myles Mansell, and Lieutenant William Turner. Nancy reflected on the moment, recalling her disbelief, “You know that these things could happen, but you don’t think it will.”
National Silver Cross Mother Recognition
Nancy Payne has been named this year’s National Silver Cross Mother by the Royal Canadian Legion. This honor has been awarded annually since 1936. On Remembrance Day, she will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, representing all mothers who have lost children serving Canada.
Corporal Randy Payne was the 15th Canadian casualty in Afghanistan’s mission. Ultimately, the conflict claimed the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers. His mother, who married Dave—an Armed Forces veteran of 30 years—has been deeply connected to military life. She first learned of her husband through a friend and wrote to him while he was stationed in Germany. They connected over shared experiences and built a life, raising their two sons together.
Family Background and Legacy
- Chris, their first son, was born in 1970 during Dave’s military deployment.
- Randy was born in 1973 while the family was stationed in Germany.
- The family eventually settled in Gananoque, Ontario.
As a young man, Randy sought to join the military police but ultimately joined the Close Protection team. This specialized unit was tasked with ensuring the safety of Major-General David Fraser in Afghanistan. Despite her fears, Nancy supported his aspirations until their final goodbye at CFB Trenton in January 2006.
Remembering Randy Through Family
A year and a half ago, Randy’s daughter, Jasmine, welcomed her first child, Tommy, marking Nancy’s entry into grandparenthood. She sees her son in the little boy’s expressions, reminiscing about Randy and the legacy he left behind at the young age of 52.
Nancy Payne’s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military families. Her commitment to honoring her son through the Silver Cross Mother designation stands as a tribute not just to Randy, but to all those who have served valiantly. As she prepares to lay the wreath in Ottawa, she carries the strength and memory of her son in her heart.
