STANDISH - Donald “Homer” Hale Sawyer, age 89, passed away on September 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. He was born in Portland, Maine on December 8, 1935, to the late Frank W. and Bessie (Hale) Sawyer. During his childhood he moved many times, living in Denmark, Portland, South Portland, Gorham, and finally Standish. He graduated from Standish High School in 1954 and is remembered as an outstanding basketball and baseball player. After high school he studied Electronics at SMVTI and then worked for IBM as a Customer Engineer. He trained in Poughkeepsie and Endicott, NY and serviced computers at General Dynamics Electric Boat and Underwater Sound Labs in Groton and New London, CT. He married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Mae Holmes, on June 23, 1956. They made their home and started their family in Groton, CT, returning to Maine in 1967. They enjoyed square dancing, outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, canoeing, and tending the family farm, gardens and many animals. He always saved time for his children, grandchildren and family friends, never missing an event or activity. After retiring, they enjoyed travelling throughout New England and across the country (twice!). He continued to take care of his family and the farm, and while in his eighties even taught himself Tai Chi.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter Dawn Ellen Sawyer, his son, Brian Keith Sawyer and two sisters, Phyllis Eastman and Jane Clark. He is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor, brother David (Barbara) Sawyer, daughter Laurie (John) Woodman, son Eric (Pamela Smith) Sawyer, daughter-in-law Debra Sawyer, grandchildren Eric (Rebekah Hopkinson) Sawyer Jr., Amber (William) McDonald, Blaine Sawyer, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Sawyer, Jacob Sawyer, Alexandria (William Christopher III) Woodman, April Woodman and great-grandchildren Oliver Sawyer, Aurora Slinker, and Logan,Violet, Hannah, Jada, and Jaxon McDonald as well as many other extended family members.
There will be a private graveside service at Dow’s Corner Cemetery in Standish at a later date. Online condolences may be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. (https://www.heart.org).