Obit - Lawrence R. Sawyer, Esq.

SOUTH CASCO - Lawrence R. Sawyer, Esq., of South Casco, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Jan. 9, 2014. Larry was born on March 11, 1953, at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, the son of Christine F. Sawyer and the late Richard L. Sawyer.

Larry spent his early years in Lewiston and was a 1971 graduate of Gorham High School, where he was class president all four years. Larry attended Boston University before transferring to and graduating from Bowdoin College. He received his JD from what is now the University of Southern Maine School of Law and was admitted to the Maine Bar Association. 

After several years of practicing law in Portland and Windham, Larry and two partners founded the law firm of Sawyer, Sawyer and Minott, P.A., with offices in Windham and Gorham. A devastating fire at the Windham location eventually led to the construction of the office building at 17 Storm Drive, which was always a source of great pride. Larry represented many clients and corporations in the Lakes Region and beyond and was a well-respected litigator. He had recently become licensed to practice mediation.
Always a dedicated and hard worker, Larry could still identify the Gorham homes, where as a boy, he delivered newspapers on his bike. He helped put himself through college and law school by working for a construction firm.

Larry was always civic minded, beginning with his elevation to Eagle Scout while in high school. A resident of Portland in the early days of his career, he served on that city's Zoning Board of Appeals. When he and his wife, Andrea, moved from Portland to South Casco in 1987 he became involved in town affairs; he served as head of Casco's Zoning Board of Appeals for many years, as well as moderator for town meetings and in various capacities with the local Democratic party. As a member and director of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, he had served on the executive board as clerk of the corporation since 1993 and was honored as its Business Person of the Year in 1996. He also proudly served on the board of Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

Larry and Andrea were married at First Parish Church in Gorham in 1984, and he adopted her four children from a previous marriage. He was very proud of their children's success and delighted in their eight grandchildren.

Larry was predeceased by his father, Richard L. (Buz) Sawyer. He is survived by his wife, Andrea McCatherin Sawyer; and their children, Sarah Skillin Woodard and her husband Colin of Freeport, Charles E. Skillin III and his wife Jodi of Lancaster N.Y., Andrew M. Sawyer and his wife Amy of Raymond, and Ian P. Sawyer and his wife Gina of New Gloucester. He leaves granddaughters, Lauren Semo and Katie Skillin and grandsons, Aidan, River and Greysen Sawyer, Layne and Corbin Sawyer and Henry Woodard. He is also survived by his mother, Christine (Teena) Sawyer of Gorham; sister Margaret (Peggy) Meyers of Bath, brother and law partner, John W. Sawyer of Gorham, and brother, David H. Sawyer of Windham.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning, Jan. 16, 2014, at First Parish Church, 1 School St., Gorham, with a reception directly afterward at the church fellowship hall. All are welcome. Arrangements are by Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.

Donations may also be made in Larry's name to:
Harvest Hills Animal Shelter
1389 Bridgton Rd.
Fryeburg, Maine 04037