David Lee Sawyer

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Lee Sawyer, a beloved husband, cherished father, adored grandfather and great friend. Dave passed away peacefully listening to his favorite gospel music, on June 14, 2024, in the arms of his loving wife Corinne and surrounded by his family, at the Red Deer Hospice following a courageous battle with leukemia. Dave was born in Rimbey, on December 29, 1949, the youngest son of Ed and Flora Sawyer of Bentley. He was raised on a farm on the Blindman river near Forshee. The river was his favorite playground, fishing in the summer and the winters playing hockey, while his dad played goal with the scoop shovel.

Dave is lovingly remembered by his loving wife and best bud, Corinne Johns-Sawyer of 36 years; his four sons, Patrick Sawyer and Kristen(Jen) Sawyer all of Syvan Lake and Mark (Wendy) Johns of Camrose and Cory(Cherie) Johns of Rimbey; 7 grandchildren, Cody and Chelsey Johns, Damon, Teaira, and Tavin Sawyer, Capri and Izzy Fraser; one sister, Dianne (Brian) Lenz of Bentley; and Celeste Sawyer, mother of Pat and Kris; numerous nieces and nephews; one new great-grandchild, Louella; and his lifelong friend, Dean Vig. Dave’s love and devotion to his wife and family will be forever cherished by the memories’ they share together. Dave was predeceased by his parents, 2 brothers and one sister.

Dave started his career on the rigs as he wanted to make quick money but it wasn’t the life for him so joined New West Homes as an apprentice carpenter while living with his sister Nina. This led him to SAIT for 3 years, and bunking in with his friend Dino, and receiving a journeyman ticket in Carpentry. In 1973 he purchased a septic business from Everitt Harstead of Bentley. The business became known as Daves Septic Service and is still operating as Daves Septic Dumpco. Dave was a self-made business man with an incredible career of carpentry and septic services spanning some 40 plus years with his wife and partner, Corinne by his side. Dave was a perfectionist in all he did whether it was building homes on Gull Lake or renovating homes for him and Corinne in Arizona or providing service to all of his loyal septic clients. He often said his septic clients were like a “big family” to him and he provided outstanding service with his little red and white truck all over Central Alberta. With his usual wit he had many humorous stories to tell of his cleaning escapades. Some true and some exaggerated which he loved to do. Even retrieved some false teeth once! As he drove around with his truck he was always on the lookout for vintage gas pumps that he could restore. This became a lifelong hobby and many hours of enjoyment. They were refurbished with his usual attention to detail and graces his home and many others. Truly a work of art.

Dave and Corinne spent 20 glorious winters in Surprise, Arizona. He loved the desert, learning to play tennis and learning to play pickle ball which became his passion and loved to teach others including grandchildren and daughters-in-law. Dave had the opportunity to do an overnight hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. A thrill of a life time. He said he had to golf as it was in his marriage vows! Long walks and e-biking with his wife was high on his priority list. A highlight for Dave while walking was hand feeding the chickadees of which the family has many pictures.

Dave loved to travel with his wife and they had many adventures; Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Costa Rica, Cuba and many camping trips with family.

Dave and his wife lived 20 years in the Summer Village of Gull Lake where they also operated On The Lake Bed and Breakfast (Dave was a great sous chef and dishwasher!) Then they moved to Lacombe and on to Red Deer for retirement years.

Dave will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a great zest for life and he inspired those around him to embrace every moment right to the end. His positive outlook was a source of strength to him and for those around him. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the memories and legacy he leaves behind. Dave’s spirit will continue on in our hearts reminding us to live life to the fullest. May he rest in eternal peace.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Red Deer Cancer Clinic and Dr. Dwip Prajapati, Lacombe hospital and the Red Deer Hospice for their exceptional care during Dave’s journey. You were all amazing. A special thank-you to his dearest friends; Dean Vig, Vic Stryski , Ernie Wiebe, Charlie Pieper, and Rick Tomanek for their many phone calls and visits to Dave during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Dave’s honor to the Red Deer Cancer Clinic; 3942 50a Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 6R2 and to the Red Deer Hospice, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer, AB T4R 3S6.  Central Alberta is very fortunate to have these services and we would greatly appreciate your support. At Dave’s request no services will be held.