Donald Eugene Sawyer

Donald Eugene Sawyer
February 7, 1944 - October 18, 2023

Don was born in Seattle, Washington to Eugene D. Sawyer and Hilda Rose Thorpe Sawyer. He grew up in the Crown Hill neighborhood of Ballard with lifelong friends the Olsen, Berg, and Wright families. He loved soap box derbies and Hop Along Cassidy and was involved in Explorer Scouts. He told of playing flag football with Elvis and the Memphis Mafia at the Seattle World’s Fair during filming of the Elvis movie.

He graduated from Ballard High School in 1963. After high school he worked for Foss Tugboats, and Pittsburgh Testing Labs. He then became a journeyman electrician and worked for Cochran Electric for 35 years before retiring.

Don was passionate about Native American rights and advocacy. He, his father, and uncle Roy Sawyer worked closely with Senator Scoop Jackson and the Makah, Lummi, and Muckleshoot tribes to restore Tribal rights. Don, Eugene, and Don’s grandson Justin were invited to and attended the Makah’s first whaling expedition in nearly 100 years in 1999.

Don married Anita Louise Hawkins and they had two children, Tonja Marie in 1967 and Eugene David in 1970. After the marriage ended, Don and his parents raised both kids for several years, eventually he become a single father, something that was nearly unknown at the time.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. Many friends and family members were treated to trips out on Puget Sound to catch salmon and were often lucky enough to have him either smoke or cook their spoils over a fire. He was also a talented photographer and could be found with his trusty Nikon at friend and family events or documenting the beauty of Mother Nature.

Don married the love of his life, Robin Wright Sawyer, on July 8, 1989 at the historic church in Port Gamble, Washington. They lived in Edmonds for 34 years and enjoyed traveling to China, Australia, and areas of the United States to visit friends and family. They enjoyed celebrating holidays and special occasions with their growing family and expansive circle of friends. One of his favorite experiences as a Grandpa and uncle was taking Kristy and Kaleigh and niece Heather to see Brittany Spears at the Gorge Amphitheater. He was a proud grandpa and wasn’t shy in sharing the kids latest accomplishments.

In the Spring of 2023 they relocated to Oro Valley, Arizona, where they created a new home together. Unfortunately their plans for this new adventure were cut short when Don was diagnosed with cancer just months after their move.

Don passed away with his life partner Robin and good friends by his side in Tucson, Arizona on October 18, 2023. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Eugene D. and Hilda Rose Sawyer, his sister Alycesun Dee Brimhall, and cousins Jerry, Jim, and Paul Sawyer.

Don is survived by his wife Robin Sawyer, daughter Tonja (Jamie) Cram, son Gene, grandchildren Kristina (Tyler) Bond, Kaleigh (Daniel) Hinckley, Justin (Maggie) Cram, and Jamie Nicole Cram, great grandchildren Patience and Serenity, brother Robert (Carol) Sawyer, sisters Jane Eddington, and Betty (Durrell) Perry, niece Cori Short, nephew Chad (Dan) Sawyer, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. As well as his three beloved cats Bailey, Batman, and Billie. Those who knew Don, know that he valued family, whether that meant being related by blood or by choice, such as his 75 year friendship with the Olsen family and other friends.

A celebration of life will be scheduled sometime next year in Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Noah animal shelter in Stanwood, Washington or your local no kill pet shelter.