Ronald “Ron” Gray Sawyer, age 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2021. He was born in Oakdale, California to Verne and Alice Sawyer, the youngest of two boys. He leaves behind a loving family and many cherished memories. Ron attended Oakdale High School and graduated in 1960. He earned an A.A. degree from Gavilan College in Hollister, California. After completing his A.A., Ron joined the Army Reserves and began as a ski instructor at Dodge Ridge, where he later became Ski Patrol Director. He also was very passionate and helpful with the Dodge Ridge Ski Team.
In 1966, he went to Aviation School and began his career with TWA as a flight engineer. It only took two years for him to be promoted to First Officer (pilot). He met and married his first wife, Connie Hall of Missoula, Montana in 1971 and they had their four sons; Jeff, Wes, Derek and CJ. They continued to live in Oakdale to raise their family while he was still a pilot until he retired in 1990. Later in life, in 2002, Ron met and married his second wife, Gale McCoy of Turlock, California. They lived mostly in the Oakdale area, until moving to Arkansas two years ago, where he wanted to be surrounded by lush greenery and be able to bird watch.
Ron enjoyed many hobbies outside of his family and career. One of his passions in life was to raise pheasants. He was also an avid hunter, which led to his partnering in a Pheasant Hunting Club. He loved to ski, golf and fish. Ron also enjoyed watching and attending Indy Races and rooting for the 49ers. As he got older, he loved raising his “dinner plate” Dahlias.
Ron lived his life to the fullest and was able to do everything he ever wanted to do. He was full of adventure and is survived by his wife, Gale, sons Jeff (Diana), Wes, Derek (Kellie), and CJ and eight grandchildren. Services will be private; for immediate family only.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Oct. 6, 2021