George Garwood Sayers

George G. Sayers, Jr. died at home after a long illness in Tucson on April 13, 2024, with his wife, Rhema, by his side.

Born in Fairfield, CT to George G. Sayers, Sr. and Helen Sayers, he grew up within a half-mile of Long Island Sound. He graduated from Roger Ludlow High School as valedictorian and then attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was proud of his service. He worked in chemical plants as a chemical engineer after his graduation from M.I.T.

Something of a Renaissance man, George was interested in everything from astronomy to zoology. He was also a wonderful cook, but his passion was collecting, especially mineral specimens.

He was an avid stamp collector as well and researched the history of a specialized group of stamps, writing a series of articles about them for which he received the coveted Carroll Chase Cup from the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society in 2010.

George was very active in the Douglas community, serving on multiple boards: including the Salvation Army, the Douglas Association for Retarded Citizens, the Cochise Private Industry Council, the Cochise College Board, and others. He served as acting director of the Cochise PIC for over six months during a difficult time. Culminating his career in Douglas, he was elected mayor from 1988 to 1990.

But his greatest legacy was his three daughters. He and his wife adopted three little girls from China, who have become beautiful and successful women.

He leaves behind his wife, Rhema Sayers, his three daughters: Kimberley Sayers, Claire Sayers, and Garie Sayers, as well as three granddaughters, numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, George G. Sayers, Sr.; his mother, Helen Sayers; his sister, Barbara Lee Myers; and his brother, Charles T. Sayers. He accomplished much in his life. Touching many lives, his generosity and compassion left this world a better place.