Charles Eugene Sawyer

SHIRLEY: Charlie was born in Keene, NH, on November 11, 1936, the son of Barnum and Frances (Prouty) Sawyer. Early in life his family moved to Orange, MA where he primarily resided before relocating to Shirley where he would remain for over 40 years. Charlie was a proud service member of the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958, an experience he often remembered fondly. After his years of service, Charlie returned home and began a career in the restaurant business, an industry he had experience working in prior to his military service. During this time, Charlie gained experience at a variety of establishments across New England. In 1975, he accepted a position at a family owned and operated restaurant called The Bull Run in the small town of Shirley, unknowingly changing the direction of his life. There in the bakery, was young Betsy, a student to her father Lee, and big brother Chip. She was eager to learn the family business and soon the two back-of-house employees had formed a flirtatious friendship turned romance in the fast paced, high-demand world of restaurant life. They worked hard and played hard. They took a tent and went cross country early in their relationship. They enjoyed anything to do with the ocean during summer months and skiing during winter. Soon both Charlie and Betsy opted out of the family restaurant. Betsy went back to school to become a teacher. Charlie took over his family’s business, Sawyer’s Refinishing Company, carrying on his own father’s legacy as a master wood worker. Charlie was a true artisan. It was his attention to detail and craftsmanship that established and sustained Sawyer’s Refinishing renowned reputation. Unfortunately, after a couple bouts with cancer, Charlie retired from the refinishing business and returned part time to Bull Run. Betsy continued to teach and became “world famous” for her Pages for Peace Project: The Big Book of Peace. Charlie cherished his family over everything and worked late into his 70’s to provide for them. He was a real character, full of antics and jokes, loved to make people laugh, and kind of lived up to the name: “Good Time Charlie”. His beautiful bride Betsy became ill in 2016 and ultimately succumbed to leukemia that year. Charlie was devastated but remained strong for the kids and grandkids. He is also predeceased by his older brother Neil Sawyer of Orange, in 2020 and his infant daughter Margaret Sawyer in 1985. He leaves another older brother Wayne E. Sawyer and his wife Joyce of Orange. He leaves his daughters Trish Sawyer-Burgoyne of Abington Mary “Kate” Sawyer of Shirley; Alison A. Sawyer and her partner Jake Wood of Ashby and his son: Bryan B Sawyer of Shirley. as well as five grandchildren: Etienne Burgoyne, Joshua Mayorga, Dylan Mayorga, Lily Mayorga, and Mason Wood. Charlie’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours from 4-7 PM Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rte 2A) Ayer. www.andersonfuneral.com. Graveside services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Center Cemetery, Brown Road, Shirley immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley.

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Charles Eugene Sawyer

November 10, 1936 - October 9, 2023