Obituary: Wellington Oliver “Bud” Sawyer
Falmouth, Maine—Wellington Oliver “Bud” Sawyer, a longtime voice of Southern Maine radio, died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2026 at the age of 94. Born on Dec. 4, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Wellington O. Sawyer and Edith Kelley, Bud spent most of his life in Maine, where he built a career that would make him a familiar presence on local airwaves for decades.
After graduating from Boston Technical High School, Sawyer attended Boston University’s School of Communication. While a senior at BU, he produced a variety show for a local church group and met Janet, a high‑school senior who was also a member of the same group. They married in 1956, and their partnership would last nearly 70 years.
Sawyer’s broadcasting career began at WGAN in Portland, where he quickly became known for his engaging style. He later worked at WLOB and WPOR, covering a wide array of local events that drew listeners into the heart of Maine’s coastal culture. He called the Friendship Sloop Races, the Monhegan Island Race, and the Lobster Boat Races in Casco Bay, bringing the excitement of maritime competition to listeners across the region. In partnership with newsman Mike Audet at WGAN and WPOR, the duo consistently topped local ratings charts, a testament to their on‑air chemistry and dedication to journalism.
In recognition of his contributions to broadcast media, Sawyer was inducted into the Maine Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He also earned several other honors: the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Hope Award for years of volunteer work—including a 50‑mile snowmobile trek to raise funds—, the Outstanding Older Worker award at the National Prime Time Awards in Washington, D.C., and the Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
Beyond the studio, Sawyer was an active community member. He and his wife supported their children’s athletic pursuits, attending swim meets, basketball, soccer, baseball, and field‑hockey games. He also worked as a baseball umpire, bringing fairness and enthusiasm to the sport at the local level. His civic engagement extended to memberships in the Falmouth Lions Club, the Portland Yacht Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Portland YMCA, where he was a regular swimmer and squash player.
Sawyer’s family survived him. He is predeceased by his parents, his siblings, and his beloved daughter, Jennifer. He is survived by his wife, Jan, his three sons—Scott (with wife Ellen) of Providence, Rhode Island; David (with wife Tammy) of Falmouth; and Mark (with wife Barbara) of Auburn—and his son‑in‑law, David Vasconcelos of Falmouth. Nine grandchildren—Lily, Elizabeth, Katlyn, Zachary, Olivia, Camryn, Dayna Vasconcelos Bull, Jack, and Matthew—continue his legacy of family devotion.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Sawyer family welcomes condolences and memories at the funeral home website: http://www.lindquitfuneralhome.com.
Bud Sawyer’s voice will be missed by listeners, colleagues, and friends across Southern Maine, but his impact on the region’s broadcast history and community life endures.
