It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Payant, founder of the city’s Natural Food Pantry on March 30th, 2024 at the age of 84. Left with many happy memories to cherish, are his sisters Michelle Barton (Ron),and Suzanne Payant, 14 nephews and nieces and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Alice Payant (McFadden) and Thomas Payant, his sister Marie-Paule Smith and four brothers, Andre, Richard, Gaston and Normand. Also predeceased by his niece Natalie Payant.

Roger was a soft spoken, kind and gentle man who was loved by all. He was generous to a fault, always ready to help anyone in need. He was a generous philanthropist who supported various charities throughout his lifetime. Roger worked in a variety of industries including a grocery store in his youth, Campbell's Soup company, Firestone Tire and he owned and operated a Handy Andy hardware store franchise in Montreal. A visionary and an entrepreneur at heart, he finally settled into the health food business in Ottawa, long before the importance of health and wellness was recognized. He opened four Natural Food Pantry locations in Ottawa. The first location opened in Westgate Mall in 1981. His business and legacy continue to grow and is now owned and operated by his nephew. 

When Roger retired, the Ottawa Food Bank was lucky to have him as a dedicated volunteer. In his later years, Roger struggled with Aphasia, a form of Alzheimer's disease which took away his ability to speak. Despite his struggles, he was always happy and treated everyone with kindness.

Since Roger was such a generous man, in lieu of flowers, a donation to one of his favourite charities, the Ottawa Food Bank, the University of Ottawa, The Salvation Army in Ottawa, The Ottawa Humane Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

We would like to thank the staff on the Memory Care floor at Villagia in the Glebe, the staff at the Civic Campus and the staff at St. Vincent Hospice Palliative Care Unit where he spent his final days. The family would also like to thank Roger’s nephew Rick for ensuring that Roger always had the best care and necessities.

Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Ottawa, on Friday, April 19th after 10am until the Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11am. Reception to follow. Interment of the urn in Hope Cemetery, 4660 Bank Street, Ottawa.

RIP, we love you Roger.