Charles Donald Sawyer

Charles Donald Sawyer

May 22, 1930 – September 8, 2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Don Sawyer announces his passing on Friday, September 8, 2023. He died peacefully of old age. He was 93. Don will be lovingly remembered by his children: Nadine (Dennis Woo) Leenders, Frank (Lynn) Sawyer, Laura (Gordon Pugh) Sawyer, Kenneth (Alina Tousseeva) Sawyer, and Marlene Parish. Grandad Sawyer will also be fondly remembered by his 11 grandchildren; Gerry, Victor, Kevin, Valerie, Alana, David, Liza, Kyle, Connell, Arrey, and Phillip. Don was predeceased by his wife Hazel Sawyer (née Jackson), two brothers, Francis Sawyer and John Sawyer, and his sister, Edith Richards (née Sawyer).

Don grew up in the farming community of Pine Lake, Alberta. He attended the University of Alberta and earned a BSc in Agriculture in 1954. Don took a job with the Government of Alberta and worked as a Land Inspector; he was stationed in Peace River. Don married Hazel Frances Jackson in 1956. In 1957, Nadine was born, the first of 5 children. In 1960, they moved to Edmonton to allow Don to complete an MSc in Agriculture. Don loved farming so at the age of 38 he purchased land near Lindbrook, Alberta and started his adventures in raising beef cattle and keeping horses. In 1981, Don, Hazel and Marlene moved to a farm near Condor, Alberta. Don and Hazel farmed there for 28 years. They moved back to Edmonton in 2009 to be closer to family. Some of Don’s favourite activities included curling, golf, playing bridge, round and square dancing. In 2020, he lost his beloved wife after 64 years of marriage. From that time on, his family surrounded him with care.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 15, Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19 Ave NW, Edmonton. The service will be live streamed. https://ssucedmonton.com/live

Both Don and his older brother Francis suffered from Parkinsons. If desired, a memorial donation can be made in memory of Don to the Parkinson's Association of Alberta.