Walpole, NH – 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 UNH in December 1957, his teaching career began with practice teaching in Keene, NH. In the fall of 1958 he moved to Walpole to become the Agricultural Teacher at Walpole High School. He was an IFYE delegate to India from 1961-62.
In 1963 he 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) Sawyer, Jr.. Today the farm continues to milk approximately 300 Jersey cows.
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. He was also the past president of United Cooperative Feed Association and of both Cheshire County and State of NH Farm Bureau.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years Rosella Sawyer, his children: George Sawyer ( Tina); Sheldon “Tom” Sawyer, Jr ( Andrea); Heidi Mason ( Scott); Crystal Phillips (Matt) and step-children Stephanie 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 special thank you to Home Health, Hospice and Community Services and the Keene Center Genesis for their care in his final weeks.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 28, 2026 1-4 pm at Alyson’s Apple Orchard, 57 Alyson’s Lane, Walpole NH
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
Jess Dizek PO BOX 466 Hadley MA 01035
The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial or for more information please visit www.csnh.com
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