Erwin Fredrick Sawall Jr.

Erwin was born March 15, 1932 to Erwin F. Sawall Sr. and Amelia Sawall of Kerman, California. He was a graduate of Kerman Union High School, class of 1950. The Korean War sent him to Okinawa, where he served in the army with the 29th Infantry Regiment. After returning to the U.S., he attended the University of California Davis where he graduated in 3 years with a degree in Plant Pathology, and a minor in Agronomy. He spent several months in Liberia, Africa working at Firestone Rubber before enrolling in a PhD program at Davis.

With his new bride, Diana, Erwin moved back to Kerman after the passing of his grandfather.

He farmed the home acreage of grapes, and worked for Melville E. Wilson. Subsequently, he worked for many years as a research biologist for both the Insect Advisory Business and the University of California. Some important research included using ladybugs and lacewings for aphid control. Later, he would work for Western Farm Service as a pest control advisor, where he was an invaluable resource to farmers throughout the San Joaquin Valley. After moving to Cave Junction, Oregon, Erwin worked as a realtor in his semi-retirement years. As a lifelong conservationist, he was involved with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy as well as the Oregon Water Trust.

Erwin was an intellectual with a broad understanding of many topics, and could talk with anyone about virtually anything. His gift of gab and storytelling was unsurpassed, as was his collection of tools and anything that looked remotely useful. He loved tinkering in his shop, gardening, ham radio, books, and a host of other interests. Erwin enjoyed good music, especially the blues, and loved dancing. His mind was sharp till the end, regaling stories with historical accuracy. Erwin had loyal friends from around the world and was immensely proud of his family.

He is survived by his wife Diana Sawall; sister Mary Ann (Norman) Pretzer; daughter Erica (Mike) Fica; sons Curt (Lisa) Sawall and Erin (Jane) Sawall; grandchildren Natasha, Jenn, Nikalie, Isiac, Elrik, Ariel, Lyndsy, Cory, Haley and four great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Erwin F. Sawall, Sr; mother Amelia Sawall; Sister Beverly Douglas Tait; and son Eric Sawall.

No service is scheduled at this time but to make a contribution in Erwin’s memory, please consider one of the following organizations that were important to him. The Dome School (www.domeschool.org) of Takilma, Oregon, or the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (www.landconserve.org) of Ashland, Oregon.