Sheldon Scott Sawyer Sr. of Walpole, NH, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday June 13, 2026. He was born May 25, 1935 on the family farm in Jaffrey N.H. the fourth of six sons to Jason and Elizabeth (Doty) Sawyer. He graduated from Conant High School in 1953 and was an avid supporter of the Conant basketball teams, attending games into his late 80's.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire in December 1957 and a member of Sigma Beta Fraternity, his teaching career began with practice teaching in Keene , and followed with his first job in the spring of 1957 in Horseheads, NY. In the fall of 1958 he moved to Walpole to become the Agricultural Teacher at Walpole High School until 1961. He was an IFYE (International Farm Youth Exchange) delegate to India from 1961-62. On return from India he married his first wife Carol ( Holmes) Gage and they moved to the Sawyer Farm in Jaffrey, and worked for his brother Peter. In 1963 they returned to Walpole and entered into partnership with his father in law G. Allen Holmes of Crescent Farm. Sheldon and G.Allen expanded Crescent Farm into a modern dairy farm. Among their many achievements they were proud to sell their pedigreed Jerseys to 37 states and 9 countries. In 1997 he formed a partnership with his son, Sheldon (Tom) Scott Sawyer, Jr.. Today the farm continues to milk approximately 300 Jersey cows.

Among his many civic accomplishments he served the Town of Walpole as a Selectman for 12 years, member of the Walpole Planning Board for 20 years, was instrumental in establishing the Walpole Conservation Committee and member of the school board. He served as State representative 2004-2006. Most recently he was the lead rider of the Walpole Society for Bringing to Justice Horse Thieves and Pilferers. He was also the past president of United Cooperative Feed Association and President of both Cheshire County and State of NH Farm Bureau.

A supporter of youth in agriculture, he opened his farm to all children who wanted to learn about dairy cows believing that any involvement with agriculture would prepare future voters for better decisions. He served on the 4-H Advisory Board and the Young Farmer National Advisory Board.

A lifelong advocate for the Jersey cow, he served two terms with the American Jersey Cattle Club as the Representative of District #1 and was instrumental in choosing animals for the New England Jersey Spring Sale. He was president of the New Hampshire Jersey Cattle Club and the New England Jersey Breeders Association and was active as a judge at local and regional cattle shows.

A champion for blood donation, donating over 20 gallons in his 91 years and was recognized for this achievement. Later in life he enjoyed traveling throughout the USA and to Mexico, Canada and Europe. Vacations to Alaska and working ranches in the West were particular favorites.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Rosella ( Burk) Sawyer, his brother Perry Sawyer, his children: George Allen Sawyer ( Tina); Sheldon Scott Sawyer Jr ( Andrea); Heidi Elizabeth Mason ( Scott) and Crystal Ann Phillips (Matt). Step-children Stephanie Stoughton Vose (Adam), John Stoughton ( Belinda), Robin Magee (James), Randi Fisher (Scott), Meghan Barton ( Steve), Heather Tucker ( Shawn), seven grandchildren , six step-grandchildren and former spouses Carol Gage and Wendy Horton.

He is predeceased by his brothers; Clifton, Donald, Jeremy and Peter Sawyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 28, 2026 1-4 pm at Alyson's Apple Orchard, 57 Alyson's Lane, Walpole NH

A special thank you to the staff of Home Health, Hospice and Community Services and the Keene Center Genesis for their care in his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Thomas P. Fairchild 4-H Endowment. 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire, Taylor Hall, U.N.H., 59 College Road Durham N.H. 03824 OR New England Jersey Breeders Association for Youth Activities att: Jess Dizek PO BOX 466 Hadley MA 01035.

To view Sheldon's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.