Rob Sawyer

Rob Sawyer, grandson, son, brother, nephew and friend, died on July 24, 2008. Rob was a marvelous artisan. He used tile, in the way another artist would employ oils. He had an eye that allowed him to transform any room; turning the mundane into the beautiful. His completed projects were his professional references. Any number of San Antonians engaged Rob to re-create their homes and businesses. Such was the quality of the skills he brought to making his living. But it was the outdoors and music that truly engaged his passion. Well, that and the occasional pretty girl.

Rob had the great good fortune to spend a number of years in the mountains of Colorado as an adolescent. It was there that the former city boy became a passionate camper and fisherman. If Rob was near water, no fish was safe.

To say that Rob loved music is to engage in understatement. He would jump into his truck and drive to Austin to listen to a band as if it were a mere trip to the convenience store. He loved following local bands in San Antonio. He didn't just listen to music; Rob was an accomplished drummer. He organized his first band, Smokin' Depot while still a teenager in Colorado. Rob was possessed of a great natural charm even as a young boy. He met the members of the band Los Lobos when they visited his Dad's restaurant in Colorado Springs. Years later, when Los Lobos were making an appearance in San Antonio Rob went to visit them backstage and reintroduce himself. It was one of the surprises of his life and a testament to that boyish charm that they remembered him fondly. He had carried photos of that first encounter with him in case they had forgotten. The delighted members of the band were thrilled to discover pictures of themselves when they were still so young and just starting out. They asked Rob if they could borrow them. He readily agreed. Weeks later the photos were returned, together with a signed poster of the band. The acquaintance blossomed into friendship and Rob later went on to enjoy the pleasure of jamming with the band after their performances. With Rob, the music never stopped.

He was a natural with animals. His beloved dog Maya was his constant companion. Maya is no stay-at-home dog. At home, on jobsites or camping, she was always along. Rob, if he liked the folks he was working for, would whistle her out of the truck and dazzle those around with Maya's repertoire of tricks. Their love was clearly a two way street.

He was a wonderful friend and a great companion to those fortunate enough to enjoy his friendship. He cherished his family. Rob is survived by his great love and soul mate Alison Irvin, his grandfather, Joe Sawyer; mother Jeannette Sawyer, father, David Sawyer, all of San Antonio; his brothers Trey Wallace of Portland, Oregon and James Sawyer and wife, Emily of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his loving uncles, Jimmy of Austin, Mike and wife Patty of San Antonio, Rod of Austin and Jerry, and aunts Laurie, Kathy and Carol, of Canyon Lake.