BANGOR – Norman E. Sawyer passed away on Nov. 22, 2003, surrounded by loved ones, after living 84 years of a rich and wonderful life. He was born Nov. 20, 1919, in Wilton, to Philip and Wilma (Dodge) Sawyer and spent his early years in the Franklin County area. He graduated from Farmington High School and attended Farmington Normal School. He protected his country by serving in the Army during World War II, in the 358th Engineering Group, where he earned several medals including the Purple Heart and good conduct awards. After the war, he returned to his family dairy farm in Albion. Norm then spent the majority of his life in the electrical power industry, where he was instrumental in establishing high voltage transmission throughout New England, New York and Pennsylvania. He served as superintendent of Madison Electric Works for 10 years, where his innovative and visionary ideas turned around the fate of the small electric municipality. Norman was an active member and past Master of the Euclid Masonic Lodge No. 194 in Madison. He was also a Kora Temple Shriner who completed the York and Scottish Rites and he rose to the level of 32nd degree mason. He was active in the Madison Kiwanis and was a member of the American Legion. Norman enjoyed fishing, boating, storytelling and spending time with his family and friends. A devoted and loving family man, Norman will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by those he leaves behind: his wife of 30 years, Mildred Gile Robash Sawyer of Madison; five daughters, Beverly and David Kelley, Penelope and George Sweatt, and Wilma (Willie) and Mike Grenier, all of Albion; Edrie and Thomas Blake of South Portland, Judith and Timothy Pearse of Hope; one son, James and Cynthia Robash of Gorham; 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and countless friends whose lives he touched. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Old South Congregational Church in Farmington, with the Rev. Dr. James Haddix officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington, with military honors and a Masonic Service. Arrangements under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, 108 Court St., Farmington.
NORMAN E. SAWYER
