Fairport – Charles R. Sawdey, Jr, “Bud”, age 99, passed away on May 10, 2020, at home peacefully with his family. Bud is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Marilyn, of 59 years, his loving daughters Cheryl (Bob) Barker, Laurie (Jim) Vangellow, Lisa (Jim) Howe, seven grandchildren who loved him dearly – Amelia (Sevan), Chelsey (Anthony), Chloe, Maria, Tommy, Matthew, and Jordan, brother-in-law Walter (Karen) von Kaenel, niece Andrea (Brooke) von Kaenel, and nephewsScott (Kimberly) von Kaenel and Robert Brooks. Bud is predeceased by his parents, Charles R. Sawdey Sr. and Jennie Maye Sawdey, sisters, Marliene (Edward) Schnirel and Geraldine (James) Brooks, sister-in-law Patricia von Kaenel and nephew Steve Brooks.
Bud was born in Utica in 1921 and graduated from Geneva High School in 1939. Bud was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in WWII from 1942 to 1946. He served in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, as part of the 5th Engineer Special Brigade, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Bud was awarded the French Legion of Honor, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, Normandy’s Jubilee of Liberty Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal, among others. He attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, the Biarritz American University in France, and later graduated from RIT and the Phoenix School of Design in New York.
In 1960 Bud married Marilyn Light of Corning and they raised their three daughters primarily in Bushnell’s Basin. Bud worked as a professional commercial artist until retiring in the late 1980’s but his true passion was painting landscapes and participating in annual exhibits such as the Hammondsport Art Show. Until age 86, Bud continued to pursue his love of art by teaching at the Rush-Henrietta Continuing Education Program, the Brighton Recreation Center, and several senior living facilities. He enjoyed photographing barns, horses, and landscapes and continued to paint beautifully into his 90’s.
Bud was well known for his jokes and loved chess and music,teaching himself to play the harmonica and starting lessons on the violin in his 80’s. His family attributes his longevity to his positive outlook and ability to see beauty in all things.
Special thank you to Terri Censak and Betsy Inglis for providingadditional caring support to Bud so that he could remain in his home with his family. Due to the social distancing measures in place, a memorial service was held privately for immediate family on May 13. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made tothe National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77,Bedford, VA 24523 or at dday.org.
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20 responses to “Sawdey, Charles R. Jr “Bud””
It was a wonderful rememberance. Your father would have been proud.
Such a moving remembrances. What a lovely man, and family. I admired his artwork for years.
Such an amazing tribute to such a wonderful man!
Splendid tribute to Bud.
What a wonderful and happy gentleman Bud was. It was great to be part of his Celebration of Life. He certainly personifies “the Greatest Generation!” His positive, creative and loving spirit shines on brightly in his entire family. Deep condolences, peace and blessings to you all. Love, Michael & Dana Howe
Great memories of Uncle Bud – awesome teller of corny jokes & stories – great artist – and all round wonderful guy. He’ll live in our hearts forever. Much love to Marilyn, Cheryl, Laurie, Lisa and the entire Sawdey clan.
What a fantastic tribute to your father. He was one of the nicest people that I have known. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this day.
It was beautiful! I’m honored to have known such a special man. Much love to you and your family.
What a wonderful tribute to a kind and beloved man. May you all be comforted to know how much he meant to so many people. Thank you for allowing us to share this tribute with you.
Laurie, Jim and family your love and sacrifices for your father and mother and grandparents are such a testament to your kindness and your never ending love for family. What a wonderful way to honor your Dad and continue his legacy. Our hearts are with all of the Sawdey family.
What a beautiful and loving tribute you all did to a wonderful man. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, but you could immediately tell how proud he was of all his family. Thank you for letting us share in his tribute. You all did an amazing job. His legacy will live on in each of you. Our hearts go out to all of your wonderful family.. Laurie, Jim, Amelia and Tommy sending our love, hugs and prayers. Cheryl you are a very good speaker, I would never have been able to get through all the wonderful years of memories. Your Mom will surely have some tough days but is so blessed to have all of you and your love. Sending her a hug and prayers to her as well.❤️?The song you chose from Tarzan has special meaning to me from when my Dad passed. I heard it on my way home and every time I am thinking of him or when an important family event is happening. I have been thinking of him and my mom a lot lately so thank you for touching my heart as well.
We were honored to share in the Father’s memorial this afternoon. We enjoyed seeing his artwork, hearing him sing and listening to the wonderful stories shared by friends and family. May he rest in peace.
What a wonderful tribute to an incredible man. You are all so blessed to have had him in your lives for so many years. May your treasured memories with him live on in your hearts forever. The photos, his artwork and your loving words were wonderful. Thank you for inviting us to his celebration of life.
Your father was so proud of each of his children and their special gifts. I think he would have been delighted with this slide show depicting his life as a father, husband and artist.
I am so sorry to here of Mr.Sawdey’s passing. I worked in Dr.Kukfa’s office several years ago and I remember him as a very kind and funny man. I always enjoyed when he and Mrs. Sawdey came into the office. Please know that I will be keeping him and Mrs. Sawdey in my thoughts and prayers. Again please accept my sympathies. Mary Sofia
Bud was a gentleman, kind, caring and warm-hearted, and a talented artist He was with us for a long time, thanks to the care of his family, especially Laurie and Jim. He was proud of the three daughters he and Marilyn raised. We’ll remember his jokes and his upbeat, happy attitude. We were honored to be invited to his Celebration of Life. Our love and sympathy to you all.
So very sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. Please know I’m thinking of you during this difficult time. It was an honor to know him! Both he and Marilyn were such great neighbors to my Mom (Ginny Nichols). Our family appreciated all the care and support you showed her, thank you!
Bud was a fine man and a perfect example of one who lived up to the standards of “The Greatest Generation” of U.S. citizens. His appreciation of the beauty of life was captured in his paintings and the love he showed toward his family and acquaintances. He certainly will be missed.
Our condolences to Marilyn and the family.
Bud was a great neighbor, we enjoyed talking with him while we lived across the street from them. Very sorry when they moved.
He would be pleased to know that the family that now lives in their home, raising their two daughters, are taking great care of the old homestead.
I have fond memories of visiting Bud and Marilyn during my trips to Bushnell Basin to see my Mother, Ginny Nichols. The Sawdeys were great neighbors for Mom. Bud was blessed with kindness, a great sense of humor and his talent for art which he shared with many people. During the Sawdeys’ and Mom’s visit with us, I took Bud for a drive around the Shippensburg area in Southcentral PA so he could take pictures of old limestone barns to paint when he returned home. I still use the hammer on my daughter’s horse farm which Bud gave me while cleaning out his garage!
Our thoughts are with Marilyn and the family with Bud’s passing.
So sorry to hear of Bud’s passing such a wonderful man. I remember the phone calls Steve would often make. He would say time to check in with Bud and for at least a good hour all I would hear is laughter – belly laughter.
He really admired that man and wished he gotten to see him more often but unfortunately busy life gets in the way. Thoughts and prayers to all.
We were so sorry to read of Bud’s passing. He was a wonderful artist and a beloved teacher. He will be missed by many. Please accept our deepest sympathy.