AUBURN — Keith Sawyer passed away at the Hospice House in Auburn Sunday, Sept. 13, at the age of 82.

He was born in Lewiston, the son of Charles and Marion Rollins Sawyer. He grew up in West Minot and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a radio operator, using Morse code for four years on a destroyer. He loved his experience while in the Navy.

Keith worked for George Hemond, doing road construction, then worked in the woods. He later moved to California, where he was a welder for 18 years. Upon returning to Maine, he worked as a head shipper for Hancock Lumber for 25 years, retiring at the age of 75. He loved dancing and selling tickets at the Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls for 10 years. He also loved baseball, football and NASCAR racing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vera Thurlow Sawyer; seven children, Keith Michael, Thomas, Mark, Sandy Paine and Dean Phyllis of Antioch, Calif., Elaine Paine and Kevin Waterhouse of West Paris, Gloria Paine Kendall and Gregg of Antioch, Calif., Bradley Paine and Vicky Abel of Otisfield; 15 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.