Jaffrey, NH – Lee A. Sawyer, 78, passed away suddenly following surgery on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital. He was the son of Alfred and Fay (Sherwood) Sawyer. He was born in Peterborough, NH on May 28, 1948 and was a 1966 graduate of Conant High School. He was a lifelong resident of Jaffrey. He and his wife, Judy, were happily married for 55 years.
Lee grew up and remained active in the running of Silver Ranch. Horses were always his passion. He enjoyed everything associated with them from training to restoring carriages. Special memories of his were the training and driving of a team of horses up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the top, enjoying the training and driving of a team of 6 horses hitched to a stagecoach, and his years as an ultralight instructor.
He worked with the movie industry on 3 productions because of his expertise with animals and carriages; “The European”, “Summer” and “The Crucible”.
He was a member of the Jaffrey Zoning Board of Adjustment for 31 years and was a lifetime member and past President of the New England Region Carriage Association of America. He was a member of NH Farm Bureau and a past NHFB Director and President of Cheshire County. For many years he was active with Cooperative Extension through State Extension and 4-H. He was a 4-H leader for beef cattle and working steers and was a past President of the Cheshire County 4-H Leaders Association. He received the 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also a past member of NHDART and the NH Maple Producers.
He was predeceased by his parents and younger sister, Jane.
He is the father of 4 children: Martha Gagnon (Edward) of Blanchard Twp, Maine, Alfred Sawyer (Rachel) of Jaffrey, Rita Harman (James) of Charlotte, Maine, and Rachel Hennessy (Eugene) of Lyndeborough.
9 Grandchildren: Olivia Gagnon of Antrim, Sam and Eli Sawyer of Jaffrey, Alisa (Sawyer) Cullinane (Tyler) of Rindge, Angelo Sawyer (Olivia) of Fitzwilliam , Joseph Sawyer (Ashley) of Peterborough, Eugene, Ryanne and Rylee Hennessy of Lyndeborough.
6 Great-grandchildren: Brantley and Brooks Cullinane of Rindge, Vincent and Valerie Sawyer of Fitzwilliam and Oakley and Carter Sawyer of Peterborough.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Beth Israel Health, Joslin Diabetes Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main St., 4th floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.
A Celebration of life will be held at Silver Ranch on June 27, 2026 from 1-4pm.
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