Kenneth T. Sawers

Kenneth Thomas Sawers passed away peacefully, at home on October 15, 2013. He was born on January 16, 1924 in Buffalo, NY to Edward and Catherine Sawers. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Sawers, daughter Mary L. Sawers, son Oliver Sawers, grandchildren Merlin Sawers-Cozad, Nicci Serda, Heidi Sawers, great-grandson, Diego and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Edward and Fred Sawers, together otherwise known as the “Three Amigos”. Upon Kens passing close friends commented that ” heaven will never be the same.” Ken was an extraordinary man who had a genuine interest in anyone he met. He would often have the Readers Digest version of a persons life within ten minutes of meeting them. Ken and Mary Jo have travelled to many countries. They lived in Pakistan and Malaysia for three years while working for Catholic Relief Services. They continued their humanitarian work when they returned to the States. Ken did his undergraduate and graduate work at Canisius College, Buffalo and his Ed.D. at NYU. He taught history at St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN and then at Mary Manse College from 1965 to 1975. He also worked at the Salvation Army as an alcoholism counselor, and in his later years as a crossing guard for Ottawa Hills Schools where he was known for his yellow slicker and stop sign. In honor of Kens wishes, there will be a Memorial Mass on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, located at 6149 Hill Ave., Toledo, OH 43615. The family will receive visitors at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 9:00 a.m., Mass will follow at 10:00 and brunch immediately after. The family asks that contributions be made to The Ursuline Center, 4045 Indian Rd., Toledo, OH 43606 or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 800 South Detroit Ave., Toledo, OH 43609.Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for keeping Ken comfortable and assisting the family in their time of need. Online condolences may be shared at toledocremation.com.