Russell Andrews Sawyer, 80, of Newport, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025. Russ was born on February 2, 1945, to E. Raymond Sawyer and M. Arlene (Smith) Sawyer. A lifelong Newport resident, he loved living on Sebasticook Lake with his beloved wife Jane. They enjoyed watching all the varieties of wildlife that passed by their home and especially looked forward to seeing the baby ducks and the resident loons every year. Russ was a very proud graduate of the University of Maine. He worked at Hoods in Newport before apprenticing under his father to become a Master Electrician. He enjoyed working with his father at Ray's Electric and continued the family business for many years after Ray retired. Russ had an infectious personality, a quick wit and always a smile for anyone around him. He was known for his sense of humor and his love of music. He and Jane looked forward to attending the American Folk Festival every year. They were so proud of their daughter Renee and her work in journalism. Over the years they had several pets that were beloved members of the family. Russ could often be found chuckling at some antics the animals got up to. Russ is survived by his wife Jane (Boyle); daughter Renee and her husband Rick Fournier; son-in-law Vern Leeman; grandchildren Trevor Bemis, Jillian Grover, Jayci Fournier and Nick Fournier; great grandsons Christopher Holbrook, Xander Bemis and Landon Grover; sister Kathy and her husband Frank Pray and a special niece Shelby and her husband Scott Emery. He was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Arlene Sawyer; daughters Eileen Bemis and Janelle Leeman; granddaughter Jenny Bemis and great grandson Hayden Grover. A celebration of life will be held in the spring at their home on Sebasticook Lake, the announcement will be at a later date. Those wishing to honor Russell may contribute to Camp Jordan, c/o Bangor Region YMCA 17 Second St. Bangor, ME 04401 instead of sending flowers.