Timonthy Ritchie Sawers

SPRINGFIELD, IL –
Dr. Timothy Ritchie Sawers, 75, died Monday, April 6, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born February 4, 1940 in Chicago and has been a resident of Springfield since 1973. He married Elizabeth Knight Dawson on October 10, 1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Bernardine (Chesley) Sawers.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Knight Dawson of Springfield; four children, Sarah (Joe) Frazee of Chatham, Hannah Sawers of Springfield, Greg (Tammy) Dawson of Chatham and Curtis (Cassie) Dawson of Edwardsville; nine grandchildren; one brother, Peter (Mary) Sawers of Glenview; one niece, two nephews and many cousins.

Tim loved history and learning. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Tim taught history at Rich East High School in Park Forest, IL. He later received a master’s degree in history from Wesleyan University followed by a doctorate from Miami University.

Tim worked for the State of Illinois DCCA administering job training programs and, in his retirement, shared his love of teaching history through his Lincoln Tours.

Tim travelled worldwide with his wife and was devoted to his grandchildren. He was an insatiable puzzle solver and loyal fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed playing games, especially poker and bridge.

Memorial Service: A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until time of service at 11:30 am, Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Staab Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, Sojourn Shelter, the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy.