WESLEY CHAPEL – Kenneth Sawyer has lived for 100 years, with much of that time in service to his country and his community.
Sawyer served 35 years in the Army, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1979.
He also taught calculus for four years at the Florida Institute of Technology, volunteered at a local fire department and a charity thrift shop, served as commander of a VFW Post for more than 10 years and raised a family.
“He continues to always work his mind and his body and stay away from mindless tasks,” granddaughter Holly Mace said. “That was something he taught me as a kid. You can watch TV and enjoy a movie, but avoid those boredoms and those traps. Keep your mind as your strongest muscle and keep exercising it, learning and giving back.”
Mace said her grandfather rode a bicycle until he was 88 years old. After breaking his leg within two weeks of moving to Pasco County, the family gave him an adult tricycle, which he rode until about a year ago.
Sawyer continues to live an active lifestyle. He visits the Dade City Senior Center twice a week and enjoys playing bridge. He also keeps his mind sharp by playing Sudoku.
The Pasco Board of County Commissioners recognized Sawyer on June 17 with a resolution in honor of his 100th birthday, which he celebrated on June 6. Everyone at the meeting, including familiar faces from the Dade City Senior Center, sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
Commissioners took turns thanking Sawyer for his military service and congratulating him for making it to 100.
Commissioner Ron Oakley, who turns 80 years old this month, said he was glad Sawyer was there because he wasn’t the oldest person in the room. Commissioner Jack Mariano encouraged Sawyer to shoot for 105.
“Just amazing the things that you’ve seen and experienced in your life and watching this country evolve to where we are today,” Commissioner Seth Weightman told him. “I just can only imagine the stories and the memories that you have. So we’re very glad that you’re here with us in the board meeting today.”
