SAWYER, Cleon Harold
June 1, 1933 - August 29, 2016
Our beloved father, and brother, Cleon Harold Sawyer passed away peacefully on August 29th of complications due to kidney failure. He was 83 years old. Dad was born in Huntsville, Ontario, and was the 2nd of 7 boys. Cleon grew up on the family farm, learning at an early age, how to hunt, fish, trap and tend gardens. At 10 years old, he learned how to drive a tractor, and after that, there was no stopping him.
Dad was devoted to his older brother John, who died during World War II. Following in his brothers footsteps, Dad volunteered to serve in the Canadian Armed forces. From 1951 to 1955, Cleon was deployed to Korea, as part of a peace keeping mission. Dad married, our mother, Ruth Shirley Reed in 1954, after whirlwind courtship of three weeks. In 1963, they moved our family west to British Columbia. While British Columbia became our home, Dad never forgot Ontario. Mom and Dad moved to Chilliwack in 1992 where they happily spent their retirement years. Our father was a gentle soul, who had the biggest heart. Our family home was always filled with stray cats and dogs that managed to find forever homes with us. Dad's beloved cat Tippy Toes, who cared for him through his final days, knowing that her work was done, went to be with him in heaven, one day later. Dad will be remembered for many things; but mostly for his love of music, playing guitar, and singing, especially country music and the old church hymns. Dad loved watching army and western movies, fishing, camping, playing golf and cribbage. Towards the end of his life, Dad met his Joy, and they spent many afternoons together playing cribbage, and singing the music that he loved. Dad is pre-deceased by our beloved mother, Ruth Shirley Sawyer (April/2013), is survived by his devoted children; Norman (Eileen), Donna (Greg), Cleon Jr (Dawn), and Preston, his adoring grandchildren; Joanna, Christopher, Danica, Andrew, Sarah and Paige and great grandchildren Jack, Brandon, Leila, Katy, Jeremy, and Petra, and his brothers Norman (Della) and Rolly. The family would like to thank the Nursing Staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Kidney Dialysis unit, and specifically Anne, Monique and Naomi. You gave our father such gentle, loving care, and helped him through such a difficult time.
“Goodbye Dad, rest easy, be at peace, and go be with Mom.”
Memorial services will be held on September 23rd at 1:00 pm, in the Chapel, at Henderson’s Funeral home in Chilliwack.