Search by Name

Search by Name

David Sawyer Obituary

David E. Sawyer, 59, of Madison, died Tuesday, February 27, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident.

Born November 25, 1947, in Japan, David was the son of the late Ruth Walker of Maryland and Bickford E. Sawyer of Hawaii.

David, a UVA graduate, was the owner of Garden Gourmet Vegetarian Restaurant in Charlottesville during the 1980's. He was an inspired percussionist, artist, chef, dedicated environmentalist, and devoted father and grandfather.

David is survived by his beloved son Jacob E. Sawyer; daughter-in-law, Katherine; grandchildren, Kabir and Leela; dearest friend, Fran Rosen-Bizberg; father, Bickford Sawyer, sister, Lynn Stevens, and brother, Steven Sawyer. David, we will miss you and love you always.

A memorial service and vegetarian potluck to celebrate David's life will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2007, at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, 717 Rugby Rd.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Fivefold Path, Inc. a non-profit ecological NGO.
Published by Daily Progress on Mar. 3, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for David Sawyer

Not sure what to say?





Parvati (Fran)

February 25, 2025

Always in my heart. A noble, kind soul.

Parvati Rosen Bizberg ( Fran)

February 26, 2024

As always, I remember you, gentle wise soul with a heart of pure gold. You were my champion as well as dearest brother and friend. Bless you. Thank you.

Parvati (Fran)

February 25, 2023

Always loving and remembering you, dearest friend. Love Parvati

Parvati (Fran) Rosen-Bizberg

November 25, 2019

Today would have been another birthday. You are loved always my dear friend. With love, grace.

Fran Rosen Bizberg

March 18, 2019

Remembering you always sweet dear friend. Love Parvati (Fran)

Fran (Parvati) Rosen-Bizberg

November 24, 2018

I miss you. Prayers for your further journey, my dear brother, dear friend. You are remembered always. Today would have been your birthday.

dona matera

March 19, 2007

I wish all of you in David's family, and everyone touched by David's presence in your life, much strength and heart opening at this time of his sudden passing. I'm deeply grateful for David's friendship and love, including his generous offer of prayers, insights, and emotional support at any time, and of course, for sharing so many healing fire ceremonies. He once wrote to me that, "Life is a simple affair when we live in the moment and we live in balance with Nature. Once we find total Peace within, we will create Peace on Earth. Thanks for All the Love." Yes, dear friend, thanks for all the love, and for your example of peace. May your soul fly free.

March 15, 2007

I give my blessings to the family from mine..I didn't know you, but I relate...

Robin Perry

March 11, 2007

David, It is great to have known you. I enjoyed our Saturday drumming on the mall immensely.
Robin Perry

asha greer

March 6, 2007

blessings on all those who feel this loss

Len Wishart

March 5, 2007

Dave, I will always remember your calm loving spirit and inspiration. I recall the great early days; sunrises and sunsets, Vasant, sharing that house when Jacob was toddling about and how wonderful were all the Veggie meals we shared. You were the first percussionist I ever met and jammed with and loved watching you sit-in with bands here in the local scene. All my love and support to your family and friends during this time of transition.

Fran (Parvati) Rosen-Bizberg

March 4, 2007

My dearest friend, father of our son Jacob, grandfather to Kabir and leela, friend to so many who loved you. You will always live in my heart, brining me laughter and joy. What an example of generosity and kindness we have to live up to. You inspire us all. I love you.

Casey Ferguson

March 4, 2007

Dave was an inspiration to me and always will be.

Ron Etters

March 4, 2007

Dave, I remember with fondness playing at the creek together in the old old days at Bren Mar Park, your patience with me at tennis, our years at Jefferson and UVA, your special trip to my wedding in 1977, you letting a klutz like me make bread with you at the Garden Gourmet and your many years of honest friendship! You will not be forgotten my old friend.

Chris & Jamie Herring

March 3, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in David Sawyer's name

Memorial Events
for David Sawyer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor David Sawyer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more