Ralph R. Sawyer, 90, of Burns, entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2024. Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother who lived his life guided by faith, love and duty.

Ralph was a beloved husband to Carol (Smyth) and a cherished son of William ‘Art’ and Rosina Sawyer (Gallitin). He was born in Myrtle Point, Ore., on June 18, 1933. Ralph had a happy childhood along with his younger brothers, Robert, Harold, and Donald Sawyer. 

He was raised in Burns and graduated from Burns High School in 1951. After graduation he joined the United States Navy and served until 1954. While in the Navy, Ralph was a Mine Assembler working on submarines. He served in San Diego, Calif., Hawthorne, Nev., and Yorktown, Va. After leaving the Navy he returned to Burns with his children and soon married Carol (Smyth) in 1966. Together they raised seven children.  

Ralph worked as an Electrician for Edward Hines and Snow Mountain Pine Lumber Company’s until the mills closure in 1992. After that he worked in Washington and then for Harney Rock and Paving until his retirement.

Ralph loved camping, fishing, riding his 4-wheeler and hunting until he was no longer able. He was a strong supporter of his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their activities and sports.

Ralph was a wealth of knowledge and a mentor to many. Over the years he donated countless hours of his time and expertise in the building, wiring and maintenance of the Presbyterian Church. He helped to install and wire the activity board sign and football field lights for Burns High School and built the start blocks for the swim team.  

Ralph loved sharing his knowledge and helping his family and friends any way he could. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, William ‘Art’ and Rosina Sawyer (Gallitin; sibling, Donald Sawyer; and children, Gary, Kenneth, and Geneen Sawyer. 

He is survived by his wife, Carol Sawyer (Smyth); siblings, Robert (Donna) Sawyer, Harold (Grace) Sawyer; children, Larry (Eliané) Sawyer, Jan Yaryan, Jodi (John) McLean, Jill (Matthew) Palmer, and Eric (Anna) Sawyer; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m., with graveside services and a luncheon to follow. Ralph will be laid to rest at the Burns Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available at 10:45 a.m.; please visit RalphRichardSawyer.com for more details.

Please keep Ralph and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

The family requests donations be sent to Harney County Home Health and Hospice or Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be expressed at RalphRichardSawyer.com or via letter to Carol Sawyer at 283 S. Diamond Ave. Burns, OR 97720.