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Darrell Roderick Sawyer

  • September 30, 1924 - December 28, 2011
  • Brattleboro, Vermont
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Memories & Candles

“We are saddened to know that Coach is no longer physically among us; though his spirit will always remain. His family is in our special thoughts...Read More » ”
1 of 26 | Posted by: Coach Peter and Dr. Jody Brakeley - VT

“Dear Mrs. Sawyer & Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you. God Bless, David & Shirley (Tkaczyk) Emery ”
2 of 26 | Posted by: David & Shirley(Tkaczyk)Emery - VT

“He was the greatest teacher I ever had. If it wasn't for him, I would never have been taught how to drive. I never had confidence, but he showed me...Read More » ”
3 of 26 | Posted by: Sandra Hall Repko - Killeen, TX

“All Is Well Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped into the next room I am I and you are you Whatever we were to each other, that we...Read More » ”
4 of 26 | Posted by: Mary Cain - Brattleboro, VT

“Betty and family, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. You have lost a pillar and a great friend. ”
5 of 26 | Posted by: Nancy Belisle - So Burlington, VT

“A Dad holds a special place in our hearts and lives. My condolences to the Sawyer family on the loss of their Father, Grandfather and friend. ”
6 of 26 | Posted by: Maureen Connolly - Milton, VT

“Darrell has a special place in our hearts as a friend, colleague and mentor. Our deepest sympathy to Betty and the Sawyer family ”
7 of 26 | Posted by: Bob and Nancy Lanoue - VT

“I remember learning to drive from Coach Sawyer in the summer. He had me parallel park on Main Street hill so he could run into Baker's to pick up...Read More » ”
8 of 26 | Posted by: Diane Gerry - Hinsdale, NH

“To Coach "Squirrl's" family. I offer you my condolences. I knew Coach for many years, as I also grew up in Bennington. I played football for him...Read More » ”
9 of 26 | Posted by: Paul Bruso - Essex junction, VT

“Condolences to all family members. One of my fondest memories of BUHS was going into Fred's office during the last period of the day and listening to...Read More » ”
10 of 26 | Posted by: Dave Sanborn - Dennisport, MA

“My heart goes out to all of you. He was one amazing grandfather! How lucky the kids were to have him for so many precious years. Jennifer,...Read More » ”
11 of 26 | Posted by: Maria Manning - Newfane, VT

“Godspeed, coach Sawyer.....you will be greatly missed, and long remembered..... ”
12 of 26 | Posted by: Craig Holmquist - Dallas, TX

“To the Sawyer Family, I was very saddened to hear of Coach Sawyer's passing. He touched so many lifes and will be remember by so many. My deepest...Read More » ”
13 of 26 | Posted by: Luke Speno - Newport News, VA

“What a wonderful spirit and great addition to the coaching world. Darrell went out of his way to volunteer his services to the Vermont Chapter of the...Read More » ”
14 of 26 | Posted by: mickey Heinecken - cornwall, VT

“To Tom, My best friend! I feel honered to even have known your Dad. One of the things I remember most about him and you among so many others is when...Read More » ”
15 of 26 | Posted by: kirk dion - VT

“very sad to hear of coach sawyer's passing. i played for him in the 1981 shrine game and i will never forget the class and respect he showed to me...Read More » ”
16 of 26 | Posted by: robert antognioni - bennington, VT

“I would like to offer my very deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Coach Sawyer. I loved this man - what a great influence he has had...Read More » ”
17 of 26 | Posted by: Jim Provost - VT

“Chris and family:Your dad was a BUHS "treasure", and will be missed. His dedication to the school and its student athletes is the gold standard. On...Read More » ”
18 of 26 | Posted by: Bob Woodworth - Brattleboro, VT

“Chris, We are so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Be comforted by your memories. ...Read More » ”
19 of 26 | Posted by: Michael and Stephanie Farino - ME

“For those of us who love the Sawyer family and those of us who love Vermont football, we have a very large void in our lives this week. We have all...Read More » ”
20 of 26 | Posted by: Linda LaBerge - South Burlington, VT

“Squirrel was the kind of coach you just wanted to play for - no matter what the sport. He helped shape my life. A very decent man and role model...Read More » ”
21 of 26 | Posted by: Peter Vail - Norman, OK

“Betty: I was saddened to hear of Squirrel's passing. I know he was the love of your life and you can be proud that you were married to such a...Read More » ”
22 of 26 | Posted by: Doris Buchanan Vail - VT

“Mrs. Sawyer, Chris and the rest of the family, Coach was one of the most important people in my life and he will be missed. He not only taught me...Read More » ”
23 of 26 | Posted by: Scott and Danita Nadeau - VA

“Mrs. Sawyer, Chris and the rest of the family, Coach was one of the most important people in my life and he will be missed. He not only taught me...Read More » ”
24 of 26 | Posted by: Scott and Danita Nadeau - VA

“To the family of Coach Sawyer. I would like to say how sorry I am. Coach Sawyer will be missed. We all loved him and looked up to him. He was a...Read More » ”
25 of 26 | Posted by: - Bennington, VT

“God rest your soul Coach! I loved your half time talks. Pete Tinkham Class '62 BenHi. ”
26 of 26 | Posted by: Peter Tinkham - Gainesville, GA


Brattleboro- Darrell R. "Squirrel" Sawyer, 87, of Speno Court, a resident of Brattleboro since 1966, died Wednesday morning, December 28, 2011 at his home following a lengthy illness. Fondly referred to as "Coach", he was born in Bennington on September 30, 1924 the son of Darrell R. and Wilhelmina (Neher) Sawyer. He was raised in Bennington, graduating from Bennington High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943-1946. While in the army, Sawyer was a member of the Amarillo Air Field football and softball teams. Following his discharge from active service, he devoted his life to education and coaching. He graduated from Arnold College, now the University of Bridgeport, CT, in 1950 where he earned his B.S. in Physical Education and played football and basketball. He continued graduate studies at Sienna College, Boston University and New York University. His first coaching experience was at Bennington where he was head basketball and assistant football coach in 1951. He became head football coach the following year and continued in that position until 1961 when he took the position of freshman football coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY for one year. After two seasons in Plymouth, MA, Sawyer went on to Norwich, CT where he joined the football staff and also coached freshman basketball. He came to Brattleboro in 1966. He joined the faculty at Brattleboro Union High School in 1966 and remained on staff until his retirement in 1989. Over this span he coached, taught physical education, driver education, science and performed duties as Director of Athletics. During his career, Sawyer received yearbook dedications, teacher of the year recognition and in 1982 was a recipient of the Al Sowerby Award. In softball at Brattleboro his teams won the Vermont Division 1 State Championship five times and were runner-up on seven occasions. He coached in the inaugural North/South softball tournament in 1987 and was the Vermont Softball Coach of the year in 1989. The softball field at Brattleboro is named Sawyer Field in his honor. While football coach at Brattleboro, his teams won the state title in 1973 and were runners-up in 1979. Over his career the Colonels had a 70 percent winning record. He won the VT Football coach of the Year Award in 1973 and 1978. In 1999 the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame honored Darrell with the Amateur Football Award. After his official retirement from BUHS, Darrell still remained active. He spent time as an assistant football coach at Northfield Mt. Hermon, enjoyed time driving for Vermont Transit and at the Retreat and working at BUHS athletic events. Darrell was twice named the Vermont Shrine Football Coach (1970 and 1981) and served as an assistant on six staffs (1973-77, 1979). Darrell also served as the longtime Director of Athletics for the Vermont Shrine football team. He was honored as an ambassador by the Cairo Temple for his contributions. Darrell was also a highly regarded basketball and softball official for over 30 years. The VT Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association awarded him the Ralph LaPointe Award in 1981. In 2009, Sawyer was elected into the Vermont Principals' Association Hall of Fame for his significant & long-term contributions, accomplishments, high standards, ethical conduct and moral character. Active fraternally, he was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Bennington Elk's Lodge, #567. He also held membership in the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5. Active in his community, Sawyer was involved with youth leagues and groups and served terms on the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Board. In 2001, he was awarded the Frank H. Dearborn Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-term commitment. He was involved in many other town activities and rarely refused an opportunity to volunteer in any capacity. On April 4th, 1981, town Selectman in Brattleboro decreed "Darrell Sawyer Day". In 2011, Darrell was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. Of his pastimes and interests, he enjoyed being outside, interacting with people, playing cards and golf, was a sports enthusiast and an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. He also enjoyed watching any activity his kids or grandkids participated in. He rarely missed anything that his family was a part of and he and was first and foremost a loving father and grandfather. He was previously married to Evelyn "Polly" Provencher who is deceased. On August 29, 1963 in Hinsdale, New Hampshire he was married to Betty Davis, a native of Manchester, Vermont, who survives. Besides his faithful and loving wife of 48 years he leaves, three sons, Thomas (& his wife Julie) of Burlington, Jeffrey of New York City, NY, and Christopher (& his wife Jennifer) of Brattleboro, one brother, Charles Sawyer of Bennington, a sister, Barbara Butcher of Florida, and six grandchildren (Darrell, TJ, Jordan, Thaddeus, Maren and Gabriella). Additionally he is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Marjorie Shanahan. A Memorial service in celebration of his life will be conducted Saturday at 12:00 Noon at Saint Michael' Roman Catholic Church with the very Rev. Richard O'Donnell V.F., pastor, officiating. A reception will follow the services to be held at the Elk's Home on Putney Road. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.