Mr. Wellington ("bud") Oliver Sawyer

Wellington Oliver “Bud” Sawyer died peacefully on October 27, 2026. He was 94. He was born on December 4, 1931, in Boston, a son of Wellington O. Sawyer and Edith Kelley of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jonesport, Maine.

Bud graduated from Boston Technical High School and Boston University School of Communication.

In his senior year at Boston University, while producing a variety show for a local church group, he met his future wife, Janet, a rising senior in high school and member of the church group. Three years later they married.

Bud had a legendary career as a broadcaster in Southern Maine at WGAN, WLOB and WPOR. He entertained generations of Mainers, and became a part of their daily lives. He covered the Friendship Sloop Races, the Monhegan Island Race, and Lobster Boat Races in Casco Bay. He was a member of the Maine Broadcasting Hall of Fame. At WGAN and WPOR he teamed up with newsman Mike Audet, where they ranked at the top of the ratings charts year after year.

Bud was a family man and active in the community. He and his wife, Jan, were deeply involved in their children’s activities, including attending swim meets, and basketball, soccer, baseball and field hockey games. Bud also served as a baseball umpire. He supported a number of charitable organizations, including many years driving a snowmobile 50 miles for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which honored him with its Hope Award. He was also honored as the Outstanding Older Worker at the National Prime Time Awards in Washington, DC, and received the Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. He was a past member of the Falmouth Lions Club, the Portland Yacht Club, and the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by, Jan, his wife of almost 70 years; his son Scott and his wife, Ellen, of Providence RI and Chebeague Island; his son David and his wife, Tammy, of Falmouth; his son Mark and his wife, Barbara, of Auburn; and his son-in-law David Vasconcelos, of Falmouth. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, and his beloved daughter, Jennifer. He leaves nine grandchildren, Lily and Elizabeth Sawyer; Katlyn and Zachary Sawyer; Olivia and Camryn Sawyer; and Dayna, Jack and Matthew Vasconcelos.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.