Peter B. Sawyer of Gray passed away unexpectedly on October 14 at home at the age of 79. He was born in Portland on October 3, 1938 to the late Elbert C. Sawyer and Hazel J. Parkhurst Sawyer. He grew up in Gray, Maine graduating from Pennell Institute in1956. He enlisted in the Army in 1958 and while stationed in Germany, met the love of his life, Margareta K. Sofsky whom everyone called "Gretel". They were married on October 16,1961 and enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage until Gretel's death in 2015. He worked for a number of years in the family business. Sawyer's Inc. Gray Garage and driving a milk truck, collecting fresh milk from various dairy farms in Gray, New Gloucester, Yarmouth and Cumberland. After the closing of the family business, he worked at LL Bean until his retirement in 2001. He recently enjoyed working at Spring Meadows Golf Course in Gray and volunteering at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Peter was a Mason, belonging to the Cumberland Lodge of New Gloucester, a member of the Kora Shriners, participating in countless parades in various surrounding towns, 470 Club and American Legion.

He is survived by his brother Richard Sawyer, three daughters Erika Berard,Sharon Emery and her husband Scott and Birgit Norton and her husband Daryl, eight grandchildren, Stephanie Ciciotti, Errin Williams, Brian Emery, Christopher Norton, Amanda Swan, Kaitlin Berard, Michael Berard and Nichole Berard and five great grandchildren.

There will be a Graveside Service 11a.m. Saturday October 28 in Gray Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those who wish, may make contribution in Peter’s memory to:

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

58 Fore Street

Portland, ME 04101

 Service Information