Tim R. Sawyer

Timothy Riley Sawyer, an outdoorsman and the proprietor of T.R Sawyer Tree Company, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark. He was 57 years old.

Tim was born in Newark, Ohio to the late Thomas R. and Nancy L. Hunt Sawyer. He graduated from Granville High School, and went on to study chemistry and arbor science at Miami University and The Ohio State University. He eventually became a certified arborist and operated his own business for 20 years. Tim loved all aspects of his work, from the creative expression he found in caring for trees to his relationships with his customers and his community. He never hesitated to help others, often employing people whose struggles he understood.

Tim had a lifelong love of the outdoors and nature – he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a deep spiritual connection to the natural world. He was an engaging and witty conversationalist with a knowledge of a broad range of subjects. Tim had a big heart and a big personality. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, and strong person who was passionate about the things he believed in and loyal to the people he loved. T.R., driving his truck with his faithful lab in tow, was a fixture of the Granville community.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; step sons, Christian and Colin Kelley; sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Stephen Bain; niece Georgia and nephew Thomas Bain, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his loyal canines, Bear and Dax.

A memorial service will be held June 18, 9:30 am, at Lake Hudson, Old River Road, Granville, OH with Rev. Karen Chakoian as celebrant. A reception will follow. Private interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Granville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Drive, Heath, OH 43056 or Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark, OH 43056.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.