Larry Dean Sawyer was born in Emmett, Idaho, on November 14, 1939. He was the youngest of six children born to Charles and Laura Sawyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Chuck, Duane, Darrell, Wendell, and 1 sister, Helen Sawyer Mayer. Larry graduated from Emmett High School in 1958. During his high school years, he met Millie Shaw, and after attending Boise Junior College for 1 year, they were married on July 1, 1960. Larry and Millie were married for 61 years. They had two children, Mike Sawyer and Lorie Sawyer Pointer. Then followed 3 grandchildren, Matt Sawyer, Nicholas Kelly, Sarah (Pointer) Turner, and two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jet Turner.
After working for Sinclair Bulk Plant and Garrett Freight Lines in Boise, Larry went to work for the City Transfer under Dick Knox and Francis Goslin. Larry accredited Dick Knox with giving him a start in the City Transfer. In 1969, Larry joined Francis Goslin in a partnership in buying the City Transfer from Dick Knox. In 1977, Larry took full ownership of the business and developed the City Transfer Redi-Mix into a full-service concrete, sand, and gravel business delivering services throughout Gem County and surrounding areas. Because of Larry’s strong work ethic, his business dealings were always successful, and he was known throughout the valley for his customer service. Larry gave full credit for his success to his strong crew. During these years, Larry and Millie’s son, Mike, worked in partnership with his father. After 20 years, Larry moved into “retirement” while remaining active in the sand and gravel areas of the business to date. From these gravel pits, Sawyer’s Pond and Dick Knox Pond were developed and donated to Fish & Game for management. To Larry’s pleasure, these ponds are enjoyed by fishermen young and old.
Larry generously helped many throughout the Emmett Valley and beyond by providing donations, support for youth in sports and 4-H, snow removal, and in more ways than we will ever know. He loved the Emmett community and all who live here. His favorite saying was, “This valley and it’s people were always so good to us!” Larry supported his family first and foremost. He was the rock of our family. His love for this country was evident in his patriotic values and support of military veterans.
Larry’s life ended unexpectedly on April 7, 2022, due to a tragic car accident. His many friends and family will greatly miss Larry’s fun-loving nature. He leaves a huge void in our family and close-knit community. We often think that one person can’t make a big difference in others’ lives, but Larry did that every day in his interactions with others. He truly cared about everyone he met and was generous and ready to lend a helping hand. He was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed by all.
A service will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 11:00 am, at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett. The service will also be live streamed and available for view on Larry’s obituary page at www.potterchapel.com
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