To: Jeanne, Craig, Chris, and Bob's grandchildren and great grandchildren.  
Of all of the people I have known as friends, I can't name anyone I admired more that Bob Sawdon. Bob was a rare individual in today's world, no faults, at least none that I could see, and only pluses in all the categories that really count. The best word I can think of to describe his character to those who never met this good and generous man, is Nobel! Bob was always a welcome addition into the many groups and organizations he belonged to, and all of us were blessed to enjoy a fuller day when that day included a visit from Bob Sawdon. Truely a Renaissance man, there wasn't a subject he couldn't converse in, a project he couldn't improve, a problem he couldn't help to solve, or a vehicle he couldn't get to run - eventually. Even though Bob's friends and I are going to miss the pool games, the car rides, and the conversations, we will probably never tire of telling our favorite "Bob" stories because when we do, he still seems to be close by and of course those stories always end with a smile and a hearty laugh. So not a goodby old friend but Au revoir, we will meet again. And one last thing, thank you Bob, for everything.

After watching your video, I have to add a memory that is typical of Bob's character.

In our younger years. my son Mike and I were invited by Bob to come and join his family at his dear camp at his cabin near Camp Barakal at Fairview.  None of his family could make it for opening day, but Bob said we should go up ahead of them so we could take advantage of the opener.  We had never been there before, but Bob talked us into going on ahead, and he gave us all of the directions and instructions,  and gave us a key.  The cabin was roughly a half mile off the main road on a long unimproved two-track.  There was considerable snow on the ground and the trail never gets plowed.
Nevertheless, we made it the night before and watched as deer were everywhere!  The excitement raged within.  Mike and I had to do a bit of cleaning and prepare the cabin for occupancy once again, but we were grateful for the experience.
The next day, Mike shot a nice buck and we hung it near the cabin.  I have to say that I had some feelings of guilt (mixed with a little pride) for being invited guests that got our buck before our hosts even arrived.  But,  Bob and the family were very gracious.   As I recall, we were invited back another year or two after that.
Thank you to Bob, Craig and Chris for that memory!

Jeanne and family -
I am so sorry that Bernie and I could not be there for the services last week due to illness.  We were saddened to hear of Bob's passing, though we know that we all face the end of life here on earth and eternity thereafter.  I consider Bob a great friend, and will miss him!  
I got to know Bob thru our similar roles in AWANA clubs at different churches and believe he left a legacy of younger believers behind as he passed thru life here.  I would like to believe that he and you will be surrounded by that "cloud of witnesses" in Glory some day.

Please reach out if there is anything you think we may be able to help you with.

Larry & Bernie Stephens

My sincere condolences to Jeanne, Craig and family and Chris and family. I was privileged to know Bob as a brother in Christ, a friend, and a boss. Lots of memories. He will be missed. Prayers for the Sawdon family. 
Shirley Munson

I was also a member of the Semmerling Fence team back in the "early days" that Greg Blostica mentioned, so my relationship with Bob was primarily a business relationship. My role as Distribution Manager (order fulfillment) required a lot of personal contact with Bob on a regular basis. I'm pretty sure if you look up the definition of "integrity" in Websters Dictionary you will see the above picture of Bob. I'm happy to say we also had a friendly relationship that grew out of those early days of working together.....or maybe that's just me!

My first comment to him if he happened to walk in the door in person to pick up an order (with that half smile on his face) would often be "if I'd known you were coming, I'd have baked a cake" (a tradition that carried on with Chris as well). I also knew it was a pretty good day if Bob still had that smile on his face when he was signing out!
I've often maintained that "respect" is not freely given. It's something that has to be earned.  My first thoughts when I heard the news of Bob's passing were that of his personal integrity and my well earned respect for the man he was.  
Bob Sawdon was one of those people we encounter during life's journey we never forget.  A piece of them lives on in all of us.
My heart felt condolences to the entire Sawdon family ......and to all of us who knew him.

God's blessings to one and all,
Chris Desmet

My deepest condolences to his family at his passing.  

I knew him as Bob Sawdon of Sawdon Fence in Williamston starting in my early days at Semmerling Fence/Merchants Metals in Brighton Mi.   We had a great relationship and had some good conversations all the while that he owned and operated his fence company.  
His son Chris and I eventually worked together while I has service center manager at Merchants Metals and we also formed a good relationship.

Thank You Bob for being a part of my life, 
Rest in Peace,
Sincerely,
Greg Blostica

Sending our love and prayers to Jeanne  and the family ❤️ 
 Mark & Karen Jones

Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.  Always such an upbeat person and a talented man.  Our condolences to his family.  Forever in your hearts and always with you.  Sending love and hugs.

OBITUARY

Robert Bruce Sawdon

12 October, 1940 – 5 January, 2025

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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