Joel Sawyer

YORK - Joel Thomas Sawyer, 65, of Sanford died peacefully with his loving daughter at his side at York Hospital on March 13, 2010.He was born on October 12, 1944 in Portland, a son to Elroy L. and Evelyn G. (Steeves) Sawyer. He was raised by his grandmother, Grace M. Sawyer. He attended Presumpscot and Lincoln Junior High School, graduating from Portland High School.Joel served in the U.S. Navy briefly, but decided the sea was not for him. He worked many jobs from his youth and through his adult life. His first job was as a paper carrier for the Portland Press Herald. He then worked in the auto parts business and became a store manager. He also worked at the Extra Mart in Wells until his retirement.As a young man, Joel was very active in Sea scouts, competitive roller skating, and was an excellent cribbage player. He would play every chance he could with his best friend, Natalie Harton of Wells. He would spend Christmas with Natalie, her husband Lucien Harton Jr., their children and dear friends William and Rose Perry.He was a 16 year member of the Wells Elks Lodge. He enjoyed gambling, especially scratch tickets. Joel retired in 2006 only to have to take on a long battle with heart disease and cancer. He lived independently at the Maples in Sanford. He found a whole new family and a new place to call home. He will be sadly missed by his new friends and neighbors.Joel is survived by his daughter Tina Hutchinson and her husband Danny of Sanford; his grandchildren Courtney and Harry Hutchinson of Sanford; his brothers, David M. of South Portland, Stephen D. of Buxton, and Donald Weinstein of Columbia, South Carolina; his sisters Judith A. Danis and her husband Bob of Westbrook, Gail Weinstein of Ormond Beach, Florida, Brenda McAndrew of Dayton Beach, Florida, Brenda Lohr of Carlsbad, California; his stepbrother Harry Libby of Standish; his stepsisters Dorothy Elswick and Kathryn Doughty, both of Westbrook.A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 from noon to 6:00 pm at the Wells Elks Lodge, Bald Hill Road, Wells.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086.Arrangements are under the direction of Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.To leave the family a note of condolence, click on the condolences tab to the left.