Capt. William A. Sawyer USNR (retired)

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – William “Bill” Alfred Sawyer, passed peacefully in Fredericksburg, Va. on Feb. 21, 2022 at the age of 84.Bill is predeceased by his father, Alfred Sawyer, mother, Ethelyn (Rogers) Sawyer; daughter, Cindy Anderson; grandson, Will Anderson and granddaughter, Candy Sawyer. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy (Eldridge) Sawyer. They were married in Bar Harbor.Bill, also known to many as “Cap’n Bill” or “Papa”, is lovingly remembered by his son, Stephen Sawyer and wife Evelyn, daughter, Susan Anderson and husband Mark; grandchildren Kathy Sawyer, Kurtis Sawyer (Abby), Eric Anderson (Emily), Faith Anderson (Sebastian), Tina Anderson (Adriel); great-grandchildren Marissa Ballie, Madilyn Pacheco; sister, Mary Allan and husband Jon; and extended family and friends too numerous to be listed.Born on Feb. 27, 1937 in Bangor, Bill grew up in South Orrington. He attended Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1957 as a Marine Engineer. Upon graduation, Bill entered the Merchant Marines, sailing with the United States Lines. It was during his sailing years that Bill met his future bride, Nancy. After sailing the world, Bill returned home to Bangor to operate the Brewer Variety store, along with his father, for a number of years. It was also in this period that Bill enlisted with the United States Naval Reserve, attaining the rank of captain and retiring after over 25 years of service. On the civilian side, Bill settled in to a long, successful career with Travelers Insurance Co. from which he eventually retired. Bill was a great participant in civic and social organizations. He was a member of the Anah Temple of Shriners, worked with the United Way, volunteered with the Boy Scouts, volunteered as an instructor in both first aid and defensive driving, belonged to the National Ski Patrol, was a member of the Navy League and Propeller Club of America, a member of the Wardroom Club, and a life member of the Naval Reserve Association. Bill proudly supported his alma mater, Maine Maritime Academy, as an active participant in the Alumni Association, including serving as president.Bill enjoyed flying, boating the coast of Maine, skiing, riding his Harley and working. He was never known to sit still for long.A family service will be held at Covenant Funeral Home Fredericksburg, Va. location on March 5 at 11 a.m. with a gathering at Oak Hill Cemetery to follow.A Celebration of Life will be planned in the Portland area at a later date. An announcement will be published.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to theWilliam A. and Nancy S. Sawyer Scholarship Fundc/o Maine Maritime Academy,Financial Aid Office1 Pleasant St.Castine, ME 04420