Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents, Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer, and grandson Austin Sawyer preceded him. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. The family will hold a service there, and his friends and family will Celebrate His Life in Chico, when the pandemic permits.
In recent years, Tom learned through DNA testing about, and formed a close relationship with, a previously unknown oldest son, Randy Heldt, from Modesto. He has Tom’s granddaughter, Breanna, living in Columbus, Mississippi and she has two sons, Tom’s great-grandchildren, Maddox and Colton. Randy has been of exceptional help and comfort to Tom and family in his last days. On the left is the “masthead” photo from Tom’s Facebook page, and includes, left to right: Steven, Austin, Dylan, Tom, Cole, Sheila and Curtis Sawyer. Tom’s deceased grandson Austin is in the red shirt, and tragically preceded Tom in his death. At the writing of this memorial, the Sawyer family’s grief has been multiplied, by the sudden death of his grandson Cole, only days after Tom. That makes his following comment on Tom’s page even more heartbreaking.
Cole Sawyer posted on Facebook, July 19. My grandfather passed away yesterday morning. I couldn’t be more thankful to have him as my grandfather. He was a key part of my life, he taught me most of what I know now. He impacted everyone he associated with, was loved by many. We know he is in a place much better than the best day here on earth, and no longer in pain, we also know this is just a temporary goodbye for now. You won’t be forgotten Grandpa and I will continue to do my best to keep you proud.
Dylan Sawyer wrote later that day. Rest in peace Grandpa it's hard to see you go after the impact you've had on my life, but I am going to do my best to make you proud. You were loved so much by so many and it's going to be hard without you, but I'm so proud to have been your grandson and it makes me happy to say I can’t remember any bad times with you. I only remember good times you were a great man, a great father, and a wonderful grandfather. You taught me so much that I will never forget I'm blessed to have had you in my life the 20 years that I've been here. I hope heaven is as beautiful and better than you would ever expect because you deserve the best after the beautiful life you've lived and created. Rest in peace Grandpa. Until we meet again in the sky.
Tom and Sharon married July 4, 1989, and had more than 31 happy years together. Sharon said: He was the love of my life. I am lost without him, but I am happy that he is now free from pain.
Randy Heldt wrote on his Facebook page: I was fortunate to find my father through DNA and blessed to have come to know and love him over the last three years or so. Unfortunately he passed today from cancer and will be sorely missed. Tom was a teacher in Chico throughout his career and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loving man and always full of good cheer, even over the last few months. Rest easy, Pop. Tom had the biggest heart. He had love for people, and endless desire to help others. He made many friends, students, and colleagues in a long career in Student Services at Chico State, and teaching at Butte College. Here are tributes from some of his many friends.
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THOMAS SAWYER Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents were Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. Services will be held when the pandemic permits. Find an Obituary at: obituaries. neptunesociety.com/ obituaries/ 9270099
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Aug. 11, 2020.
In recent years, Tom learned through DNA testing about, and formed a close relationship with, a previously unknown oldest son, Randy Heldt, from Modesto. He has Tom’s granddaughter, Breanna, living in Columbus, Mississippi and she has two sons, Tom’s great-grandchildren, Maddox and Colton. Randy has been of exceptional help and comfort to Tom and family in his last days. On the left is the “masthead” photo from Tom’s Facebook page, and includes, left to right: Steven, Austin, Dylan, Tom, Cole, Sheila and Curtis Sawyer. Tom’s deceased grandson Austin is in the red shirt, and tragically preceded Tom in his death. At the writing of this memorial, the Sawyer family’s grief has been multiplied, by the sudden death of his grandson Cole, only days after Tom. That makes his following comment on Tom’s page even more heartbreaking.
Cole Sawyer posted on Facebook, July 19. My grandfather passed away yesterday morning. I couldn’t be more thankful to have him as my grandfather. He was a key part of my life, he taught me most of what I know now. He impacted everyone he associated with, was loved by many. We know he is in a place much better than the best day here on earth, and no longer in pain, we also know this is just a temporary goodbye for now. You won’t be forgotten Grandpa and I will continue to do my best to keep you proud.
Dylan Sawyer wrote later that day. Rest in peace Grandpa it's hard to see you go after the impact you've had on my life, but I am going to do my best to make you proud. You were loved so much by so many and it's going to be hard without you, but I'm so proud to have been your grandson and it makes me happy to say I can’t remember any bad times with you. I only remember good times you were a great man, a great father, and a wonderful grandfather. You taught me so much that I will never forget I'm blessed to have had you in my life the 20 years that I've been here. I hope heaven is as beautiful and better than you would ever expect because you deserve the best after the beautiful life you've lived and created. Rest in peace Grandpa. Until we meet again in the sky.
Tom and Sharon married July 4, 1989, and had more than 31 happy years together. Sharon said: He was the love of my life. I am lost without him, but I am happy that he is now free from pain.
Randy Heldt wrote on his Facebook page: I was fortunate to find my father through DNA and blessed to have come to know and love him over the last three years or so. Unfortunately he passed today from cancer and will be sorely missed. Tom was a teacher in Chico throughout his career and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loving man and always full of good cheer, even over the last few months. Rest easy, Pop. Tom had the biggest heart. He had love for people, and endless desire to help others. He made many friends, students, and colleagues in a long career in Student Services at Chico State, and teaching at Butte College. Here are tributes from some of his many friends.
**********************
THOMAS SAWYER Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents were Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. Services will be held when the pandemic permits. Find an Obituary at: obituaries. neptunesociety.com/ obituaries/ 9270099
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Aug. 11, 2020.
Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents, Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer, and grandson Austin Sawyer preceded him. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. The family will hold a service there, and his friends and family will Celebrate His Life in Chico, when the pandemic permits.
In recent years, Tom learned through DNA testing about, and formed a close relationship with, a previously unknown oldest son, Randy Heldt, from Modesto. He has Tom’s granddaughter, Breanna, living in Columbus, Mississippi and she has two sons, Tom’s great-grandchildren, Maddox and Colton. Randy has been of exceptional help and comfort to Tom and family in his last days. On the left is the “masthead” photo from Tom’s Facebook page, and includes, left to right: Steven, Austin, Dylan, Tom, Cole, Sheila and Curtis Sawyer. Tom’s deceased grandson Austin is in the red shirt, and tragically preceded Tom in his death. At the writing of this memorial, the Sawyer family’s grief has been multiplied, by the sudden death of his grandson Cole, only days after Tom. That makes his following comment on Tom’s page even more heartbreaking.
Cole Sawyer posted on Facebook, July 19. My grandfather passed away yesterday morning. I couldn’t be more thankful to have him as my grandfather. He was a key part of my life, he taught me most of what I know now. He impacted everyone he associated with, was loved by many. We know he is in a place much better than the best day here on earth, and no longer in pain, we also know this is just a temporary goodbye for now. You won’t be forgotten Grandpa and I will continue to do my best to keep you proud.
Dylan Sawyer wrote later that day. Rest in peace Grandpa it's hard to see you go after the impact you've had on my life, but I am going to do my best to make you proud. You were loved so much by so many and it's going to be hard without you, but I'm so proud to have been your grandson and it makes me happy to say I can’t remember any bad times with you. I only remember good times you were a great man, a great father, and a wonderful grandfather. You taught me so much that I will never forget I'm blessed to have had you in my life the 20 years that I've been here. I hope heaven is as beautiful and better than you would ever expect because you deserve the best after the beautiful life you've lived and created. Rest in peace Grandpa. Until we meet again in the sky.
Tom and Sharon married July 4, 1989, and had more than 31 happy years together. Sharon said: He was the love of my life. I am lost without him, but I am happy that he is now free from pain.
Randy Heldt wrote on his Facebook page: I was fortunate to find my father through DNA and blessed to have come to know and love him over the last three years or so. Unfortunately he passed today from cancer and will be sorely missed. Tom was a teacher in Chico throughout his career and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loving man and always full of good cheer, even over the last few months. Rest easy, Pop. Tom had the biggest heart. He had love for people, and endless desire to help others. He made many friends, students, and colleagues in a long career in Student Services at Chico State, and teaching at Butte College. Here are tributes from some of his many friends.
**********************
THOMAS SAWYER Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents were Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. Services will be held when the pandemic permits. Find an Obituary at: obituaries. neptunesociety.com/ obituaries/ 9270099
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Aug. 11, 2020.
In recent years, Tom learned through DNA testing about, and formed a close relationship with, a previously unknown oldest son, Randy Heldt, from Modesto. He has Tom’s granddaughter, Breanna, living in Columbus, Mississippi and she has two sons, Tom’s great-grandchildren, Maddox and Colton. Randy has been of exceptional help and comfort to Tom and family in his last days. On the left is the “masthead” photo from Tom’s Facebook page, and includes, left to right: Steven, Austin, Dylan, Tom, Cole, Sheila and Curtis Sawyer. Tom’s deceased grandson Austin is in the red shirt, and tragically preceded Tom in his death. At the writing of this memorial, the Sawyer family’s grief has been multiplied, by the sudden death of his grandson Cole, only days after Tom. That makes his following comment on Tom’s page even more heartbreaking.
Cole Sawyer posted on Facebook, July 19. My grandfather passed away yesterday morning. I couldn’t be more thankful to have him as my grandfather. He was a key part of my life, he taught me most of what I know now. He impacted everyone he associated with, was loved by many. We know he is in a place much better than the best day here on earth, and no longer in pain, we also know this is just a temporary goodbye for now. You won’t be forgotten Grandpa and I will continue to do my best to keep you proud.
Dylan Sawyer wrote later that day. Rest in peace Grandpa it's hard to see you go after the impact you've had on my life, but I am going to do my best to make you proud. You were loved so much by so many and it's going to be hard without you, but I'm so proud to have been your grandson and it makes me happy to say I can’t remember any bad times with you. I only remember good times you were a great man, a great father, and a wonderful grandfather. You taught me so much that I will never forget I'm blessed to have had you in my life the 20 years that I've been here. I hope heaven is as beautiful and better than you would ever expect because you deserve the best after the beautiful life you've lived and created. Rest in peace Grandpa. Until we meet again in the sky.
Tom and Sharon married July 4, 1989, and had more than 31 happy years together. Sharon said: He was the love of my life. I am lost without him, but I am happy that he is now free from pain.
Randy Heldt wrote on his Facebook page: I was fortunate to find my father through DNA and blessed to have come to know and love him over the last three years or so. Unfortunately he passed today from cancer and will be sorely missed. Tom was a teacher in Chico throughout his career and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loving man and always full of good cheer, even over the last few months. Rest easy, Pop. Tom had the biggest heart. He had love for people, and endless desire to help others. He made many friends, students, and colleagues in a long career in Student Services at Chico State, and teaching at Butte College. Here are tributes from some of his many friends.
**********************
THOMAS SAWYER Thomas Robert Sawyer was born February 28, 1941 in Nevada, and died July 18, 2020 at his home in Chico, CA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon (Emerson) Sawyer, and his sons and grandchildren: Curtis Sawyer (sons, Cole and Dylan), Mark Sawyer, all from Chico, Steven Sawyer living in Maui, and sister Diana Mullins. His parents were Harley and Mable (Dondero) Sawyer. Tom will be buried in the family plot at Burwood Cemetery, in Escalon, CA, his family home. Services will be held when the pandemic permits. Find an Obituary at: obituaries. neptunesociety.com/ obituaries/ 9270099
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Aug. 11, 2020.
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