Jerry Sawma

1946 - 2016

Jerry Sawma 24 May 1946 - 22 October 2016 was born in Niagara Falls, NY. He was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam era then he came to this area and earned his MFA from UMass. He and his wife, Chris Pinney, created their home in Conway 45 years ago, in one of the first homes he built. After teaching fine arts in Louisiana for 2 years, he returned to create Bear River Timber Frame. He and his partner Scott Wallace designed and built homes with soul to last generations. Jerry often explained that you can't build an "old house," but with time-tested methods, he was proud to make non-poison, efficient and beautiful homes. He always had lasting relationships with the people he built for and would do anything, anytime, for family and friends. He believed in being actively involved in the community and politics. Jerry said it was important to always make others feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Jerry adored his 3 children, Will, Casey, and Maggy, and relished his time with his 2 grandchildren, Amelia and Willard. Besides his 3 children and wife, Jerry leaves a twin brother Terry, in Texas.
Jerry was an insightful, affable cynic, who pursued a lifestyle consistent with his beliefs and values, and in doing so, was revered for his dedication, craftsmanship, expertise and integrity. Many envied his skilled pursuit of passions. Plus, his humor was infectious with his wry wit and right on assessments of whatever was going on. His time was all too brief for all he had to share.
There was a celebration of Jerry's life on Saturday, 5 November, 2016 from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Barn at Montague Retreat Center at 177 Ripley Road, Montague MA 01351.
Contributions can be made to Franklin Land Trust Inc., 5 Mechanic Street (PO Box 450) Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, and The American Chestnut Foundation, 50 N. Merrimon Avenue, Suite 115, Asheville, NC 28804.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Howland Cemetery, Conway at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the Conway Sportsman's Club.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Wrisley Funeral Home, South Deerfield. Expressions of sympathy are available at: www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com