It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announcethe passing of David Lee Sawyer, a beloved husband, cherished father, adoredgrandfather and great friend. Dave passed away peacefully listening to hisfavorite gospel music, on June 14, 2024, in the arms of his loving wife Corinneand surrounded by his family, at the Red Deer Hospice following a courageousbattle with leukemia. Dave was born in Rimbey, on December 29, 1949, theyoungest son of Ed and Flora Sawyer of Bentley. He was raised on a farm on theBlindman river near Forshee. The river was his favorite playground, fishing inthe summer and the winters playing hockey, while his dad played goal with thescoop shovel.
Dave is lovingly remembered by his loving wife and best bud,Corinne Johns-Sawyer of 36 years; his four sons, Patrick Sawyer andKristen(Jen) Sawyer all of Syvan Lake and Mark (Wendy) Johns of Camrose andCory(Cherie) Johns of Rimbey; 7 grandchildren, Cody and Chelsey Johns, Damon,Teaira, and Tavin Sawyer, Capri and Izzy Fraser; one sister, Dianne (Brian)Lenz of Bentley; and Celeste Sawyer, mother of Pat and Kris; numerous niecesand nephews; one new great-grandchild, Louella; and his lifelong friend, DeanVig. Dave’s love and devotion to his wife and family will be forever cherishedby the memories’ they share together. Dave was predeceased by his parents, 2brothers and one sister.
Dave started his career on the rigs as he wanted to make quickmoney but it wasn’t the life for him so joined New West Homes as an apprenticecarpenter while living with his sister Nina. This led him to SAIT for 3 years,and bunking in with his friend Dino, and receiving a journeyman ticket inCarpentry. In 1973 he purchased a septic business from Everitt Harstead ofBentley. The business became known as Daves Septic Service and is stilloperating as Daves Septic Dumpco. Dave was a self-made business man with anincredible career of carpentry and septic services spanning some 40 plus yearswith his wife and partner, Corinne by his side. Dave was a perfectionist in allhe did whether it was building homes on Gull Lake or renovating homes for himand Corinne in Arizona or providing service to all of his loyal septic clients.He often said his septic clients were like a “big family” to him and heprovided outstanding service with his little red and white truck all overCentral Alberta. With his usual wit he had many humorous stories to tell of hiscleaning escapades. Some true and some exaggerated which he loved to do. Evenretrieved some false teeth once! As he drove around with his truck he wasalways on the lookout for vintage gas pumps that he could restore. This became alifelong hobby and many hours of enjoyment. They were refurbished with hisusual attention to detail and graces his home and many others. Truly a work ofart.
Dave and Corinne spent 20 glorious winters in Surprise,Arizona. He loved the desert, learning to play tennis and learning to playpickle ball which became his passion and loved to teach others includinggrandchildren and daughters-in-law. Dave had the opportunity to do an overnighthike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. A thrill of a life time. He said he hadto golf as it was in his marriage vows! Long walks and e-biking with his wifewas high on his priority list. A highlight for Dave while walking was handfeeding the chickadees of which the family has many pictures.
Dave loved to travel with his wife and they had manyadventures; Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Costa Rica, Cuba andmany camping trips with family.
Dave and his wife lived 20 years in the Summer Village of GullLake where they also operated On The Lake Bed and Breakfast (Dave was a greatsous chef and dishwasher!) Then they moved to Lacombe and on to Red Deer forretirement years.
Dave will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege ofknowing him. He had a great zest for life and he inspired those around him toembrace every moment right to the end. His positive outlook was a source ofstrength to him and for those around him. Though our hearts are heavy withgrief, we find solace in the memories and legacy he leaves behind. Dave’sspirit will continue on in our hearts reminding us to live life to the fullest.May he rest in eternal peace.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionatestaff at the Red Deer Cancer Clinic and Dr. Dwip Prajapati, Lacombe hospitaland the Red Deer Hospice for their exceptional care during Dave’s journey. Youwere all amazing. A special thank-you to his dearest friends; Dean Vig, VicStryski , Ernie Wiebe, Charlie Pieper, and Rick Tomanek for their many phonecalls and visits to Dave during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made inDave’s honor to the Red Deer Cancer Clinic; 3942 50aAve, Red Deer, AB T4N 6R2 and to the Red Deer Hospice, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer,AB T4R 3S6. Central Alberta isvery fortunate to have these services and we would greatly appreciate yoursupport. At Dave’s request no services will be held.
