William A. Sawyer ’57

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – William “Bill” Alfred Sawyer passed peacefully in Fredericksburg, VA, on February 21, 2021, at the age of 84.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Alfred Sawyer; mother, Ethelyn (Rogers) Sawyer; daughter, Cindy Anderson; grandson, Will Anderson; and granddaughter, Candy Sawyer. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy (Eldridge) Sawyer. They were married in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Bill, also known to many as Cap’n Bill or Papa, is lovingly remembered by his son, Stephen Sawyer and wife, Evelyn; daughter, Susan Anderson and husband, Mark; grandchildren, Kathy Sawyer, Kurtis Sawyer (Abby), Eric Anderson (Emily), Faith Anderson (Sebastian), and Tina Anderson (Adriel); great-grandchildren, Marissa Ballie and Madilyn Pacheco; sister, Mary Allan and husband, Jon; and extended family and friends too numerous to be listed.
Born on February 27, 1937, in Bangor, Maine, Bill grew up in South Orrington. He attended Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1957 as a Marine Engineer. Upon graduation, Bill entered the Merchant Marines, sailing with the United States Lines. It was during his sailing years that Bill met his future bride, Nancy. After sailing the world, Bill returned home to Bangor to operate the Brewer Variety store, along with his father, for a number of years. It was also in this period that Bill enlisted with the United States Naval Reserve, attaining the rank of Captain and retiring after over twenty-five years of service. On the civilian side, Bill settled in to a long, successful career with Travelers Insurance Co. from which he eventually retired.
Bill was a great participant in civic and social organizations. He was a member of the Anah Temple of Shriners, worked with the United Way, volunteered with the Boy Scouts, volunteered as an instructor in both first aid and defensive driving, belonged to the National Ski Patrol, was a member of the Navy League & Propeller Club of America, a member of the Wardroom Club, and a life member of the Naval Reserve Association. Bill proudly supported his alma mater, Maine Maritime Academy, as an active participant in the Alumni Association, including serving as President. Bill enjoyed flying, boating the coast of Maine, skiing, riding his Harley and working. He was never known to sit still for long.
A family service will be held at Covenant Funeral Home, Fredericksburg location, on March 5 at 11 a.m. with a gathering at Oak Hill Cemetery to follow. A celebration of life will be planned in the Portland, Maine area at a later date. An announcement will be published.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the William A. & Nancy S. Sawyer Scholarship Fund, c/o Maine Maritime Academy, Financial Aid Office, 1 Pleasant St., Castine, ME 04420.