George McClure Sawyer, Jr., 72, embarked on his final adventure on December 31, 2023, in his beloved hometown of Norwich, Connecticut. Born on February 7, 1951, George was a master of mischief, a joker extraordinaire, a proud Navy veteran, and a loving husband, father, and friend.
George's sense of humor was unstoppable and his mischievous nature is what kept him going through the ups and downs of life. He enjoyed taking his family on spontaneous excursions to places like Misquamicut beach, the Nipmuck trail, or the Mystic Seaport. Sometimes, with binoculars or a telescope in hand, George would whisk his loved ones away on late-night stargazing and satellite-spotting missions. He had a knack for turning a simple ferry or train ride into a grand adventure. Wherever he went, George had fun.
George was extremely proud of his service in the US Navy as a Sonar Technician in the early 1970s. His time as a submariner had an immense impact on his life and he talked about it often. George went on to work for many years as an aerospace engineer, a career he was equally proud of. He was intelligent and creative, and enjoyed using his engineering skills to solve everyday problems with his own novel inventions, like his patented SplashGuard device for at-home oil changes, or his homemade solar heating system for his backyard swimming pool. In his later years, he discovered a great love of Uber driving, delighting in the company of strangers and sharing his larger-than-life stories.
Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, George was a loving husband and father. He took great pride in his children's accomplishments, boasting about their talents to anyone who would listen. He was a hard worker who made sure his family was taken care of. A tech aficionado, George made sure their home was always up-to-date with the latest gadgets. He loved cars, especially his Ford Mustangs, and was the family’s go-to person for any automotive issue. In the winter, he transformed into a snow tire warrior, ensuring the family's safety with his relentless dedication to Blizzak tires.
When George wasn't busy working, he could be found rattling the roof with his electric bass at full volume (much to his wife's dismay), tinkering with his model train, or listening to an eclectic collection of music including heavy metal, Eminem, and Lady Gaga. George's appetite for life extended to asking for bites of other people's food, enjoying a nice fire in a fireplace, and convincing anyone within arm's reach to scratch his back.
George is survived by his loving wife, Janet Lee Sawyer (Thompson), and his children, George McClure Sawyer III, Elizabeth Kathleen Sawyer, and Adam Mitchell Sawyer. He now joins his parents, Agnes Blanche Papineau and George McClure Sawyer Sr., as well as his siblings Janie, James (Chip) and Donald (Butch) Sawyer, in the glorious presence of his Heavenly Father.
As George has set sail on his final journey, we invite friends and family to honor his memory by embracing all life's adventures with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in our eyes. George hated funerals, so there will not be a formal service, but something small will surely be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to help cover his final expenses are much appreciated. The family would also like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the many nurses and doctors, particularly at DaVita Kidney Care and the William Backus Hospital, who helped George tremendously during his last few years.
George was a character who touched many lives. Let us remember to be like him and find the joy in every moment. We will miss you, Dad.
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