The family of Kenneth Yates Sawyer of New Harbor regretfully announces his death at the age of 92 on Aug 11 at Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta.
Born in Round Pond on Jan. 4, 1915, he was the son of Arthur and Verna (Yates) Sawyer.
Upon his graduation from Bristol High School, class of 1932, he resided in Round Pond and, among other trades, lobstered there until 1942 when he moved with his wife and family to New Harbor. During WWII he worked for Bath Iron Works at the Harding Plant where, among other jobs, helped improve gun turret manipulation. After the war he started his own plumbing and heating business in New Harbor.
In 1946, Kenneth joined the Bristol Fire Department, serving as its chief from 1950 until 1989. He was instrumental in organizing the Lincoln County Fire Chiefs Association and was one of its presidents in the ’70’s. Unknown to him, he was to be awarded the Chief “Bob” Maxey Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lincoln County Fire Chiefs Assoc. on Aug. 15. He was the original first-responder in the Town of Bristol and served also as the town’s civil defense director. In addition, he served on committees for the school and town.
As a young man he loved the outdoors and hunting. He was an avid gardener throughout his life, growing a variety of vegetables and flowers, but his colorful dahlias will be especially remembered as well as the immaculate care he took of his lawn up until 10 days before his passing. At the age of 50, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of learning to fly. He shared his love of flying by taking many local people up in his seaplane to enjoy our area’s beauty. His knack for storytelling will be remembered by family and friends alike.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Natalie (Osier), who died in 1980, and sister, Muriel Merrifield.
Kenneth leaves his wife, Ramona (Cutler)(Hall) of almost 24 years; brothers, Ellery Sawyer of Chamberlain and Stanley Sawyer of Round Pond; daughters, Kay Hannah and husband Peter of Bristol, Jeri Pendleton and husband Ronald of New Harbor; son, Brian Sawyer and wife Linda of New Harbor; step-children, William Hall of Bradenton, Fla., Cynthia Sheppard of Safety Harbor, Fla., and Pamela Gaeth of Nobleboro; grandchildren, Leslie Bartlett and husband William of Round Pond, JoLynn Trudeau and husband William of Lowell, Mass., Ian Hannah of Westminister, Col., Scott Pendleton and wife Wendy of New Harbor, Jared Pendleton and wife Jenny of New Harbor, Brad Pendleton and wife Melanie of New Harbor, and Melissa Bowler and husband Chris of Canterbury, N.H.; 16 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.
Service in honor of Kenneth 10 a.m., Wed., Aug. 15 at the New Harbor Methodist Church.
Reception will follow at the nearby Bristol Fire and Rescue Station.
For those who wish, donations may be made in honor of Ken Sawyer to Bristol Fire and Rescue, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
