David Elliot Sayers

1950 - 2022

David Elliot Sayers, while being held in the arms of his family, peacefully went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the age of 71.

Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on March 25, 1950 David was the son of the late Edward W. Sayers and Ruth M. Pettibone Sayers. He grew up in Lenox and Pittsfield, and was a 1970 graduate of Pittsfield High School. On August 14, 1971, David married the love of his life, Joyce L. Villanova in Tucson, Arizona. David and Joyce celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021.

At an early age, David took an interest in the profession of carpentry while working at Ace Hardware and as a property manager in Tucson, Arizona. He also worked at Lumbertown in Pittsfield and briefly modeled in clothing ads. David pursued the profession of carpentry and subsequently became a Master Carpenter for most of his adult life. In the 1980's, prior to starting his own business, David worked as a Construction Foreman for Salmon Creek Builders Ltd. in Salisbury, Connecticut. At the peek of his professional life, he concurrently owned three successful businesses: David Sayers Pro-Site Builders, ScreenCo, and Sports Gear Company. His fine craftsmanship was single handedly responsible for all the renovations at the former Berkshire Nautilus location on West Street. Prior to retiring, David was a Licensed Construction Supervisor. David fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing land and building a house for his family. As he aged and reflected on his profession, David stated, "Now that I'm old and know the most about my profession, I can't physically do it."

David started singing and playing guitar as a teenager. He had a passionate voice that would connect with his audience. He was the lead singer in local bands, most notably Lost Generation and Nickel Misery, and would tour New England performing. Being young and married, David chose to pursue a consistent profession and home life rather than a singing career. It has been said that if David pursued a singing career, the world would have known who he was. Singing and playing guitar continued to be a source of happiness for his entire life.

David enjoyed metal detecting. His Sports Gear Company was a retailer for Garrett Metal Detectors. He enjoyed cooking and was known for his signature chimichangas. Regarding cooking he explained, "To make a good hamburger by hand, you have to press the patties thin." He also enjoyed fishing and would say, "I use marshmallows and corn to catch them." David enjoyed shooting, archery, and hunting. He was a skillful dear hunter, preferred .270 Winchester, and was known for his venison jerky. Regarding being accurate in archery, he would say, "You have to follow through." As David got older, he voluntarily stopped hunting. He became softhearted toward deer and explained, "They are such beautiful animals, I can't bring myself to hunt and shoot them anymore."

David was sociable and enjoyed sharing his life experiences with folks. His positive personality and knowledge made for long talks. David was a great listener, and had true sympathy and compassion.

Some of David's statements about life are worth heeding. He would say, "When you are thinking of doing something, you have 3 to 4 seconds to do it, so get moving." Concerning ambition he would say, "Procrastination has an expiration date." Regarding motivation and staying healthy he would say, "Keep your momentum. Keep going! Once you lose your momentum, it's tough to get it back." Regarding knowledge he would say, "Part of learning something is admitting first that you don't know it." Regarding family he would say, "Provide for your family and love them no matter what."

David was the absolute best husband, father, and grandfather in every way possible, shielding his family from the stressors of life. He did his best to take away any pain or discomfort from his family. He was a protector, a provider, and filled the home with his love. David worked tirelessly to provide and consistently prayed for the well being of his family.

David is survived by his wife Joyce L. Sayers (69), sons Brian A. Sayers (44) and Mitchell C. Sayers (37), daughter Krista Paige Sayers (30), and cherished grandsons Gabriel J. Sayers (9) and Cameron Benjamin Andrews (7). David is also survived by his siblings Edward Sayers, Jr., Dolores Darby, Patricia Lennon, Janet Liebenow, Linda Lykkebak, Dawn Whiteley, Peter Sayers, and Robin Gardner. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is predeceased by his sister Leanora Mole.

David will be dearly missed by his family, near and far. He undoubtedly knew how much he was loved for being the man that he was. Many have asked how they can be of help; therefore, please bring a financial contribution and/or sympathy card on the day of service. As a thank you for everyone who attends, there will be a heartfelt Celebration of Life gift bag that includes personalized keepsakes inside.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Funeral Service to follow at 6:00 p.m.