AUBURN — Keith Sawyer, 82, passed away at the Hospice House in Auburn on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.

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 Navy and was a radio operator using Morse code for four years on a Destroyer. He loved his experience while in the Navy. He worked for George Hemond doing road construction, and then he worked in the woods before moving 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.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Silver Spur Dance Hall in Mechanic Falls on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chandlerfunerals.com