William F. Sawyer

William F. Sawyer passed away at the age of 89 on September 30

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, 2023.  Bill was the patriarch of the Sawyer family.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years Joan T. Sawyer, daughter Debbie Rolan (Richard), and grandchildren Laura Cole (Derek), Katie Lopez (Steve), Carlie Sawyer, Andrew Rolan and great grandchildren Emma and Carter Cole.  Bill is preceded in death by his son Billy Sawyer (Robin).  Bill was born in Phoenix in 1933.  He attended grade school at Kenilworth Elementary and was in the first graduating class of West High in 1951.  Bill then served briefly in the Army during the Korean War.   He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business/Agriculture and there he met his future wife, Joan Trauscht.  Bill and Joan were married in 1956 and moved to Chandler to start their family.   Later they lived in Phoenix for over 40 years.  Bill had a long career in the cattle feeding industry starting with Hughes-Ganz and later Sawyer Cattle Company.  His favorite pastimes were fishing in the White Mountains, owning racehorses, flying his plane, growing tomatoes, and watching old Westerns.  In his younger years he enjoyed playing poker and tennis. Completing the Phoenix Marathon at age 41 was a personal achievement following heart surgery the year before. Young at heart, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren playing card games, going to the horse races, State Fair and Disneyland.  Anyone who knew Bill knew he had a heart of gold and was generous to all.

A service honoring Bill’s life will be held on October 24

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at 11 AM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home 4800 E. Indian School Road Phoenix 85018.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s honor to Hospice of the Valley, The ALS Association Arizona Chapter or Halo Animal Rescue.