Roland W. Sayward, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully July 25, 2023 in Gorham, Maine.
He was born Sept. 30, 1928 in Springfield, MA, the son of Roland W. Sayward Sr. and Eleanor Hutchinson Sayward. After graduating from Technical High School in Springfield in 1946, Roland served in the US Airforce in Hawaii, Johnston Island/Atoll, and finally at Ruislip AFB near London England, where he married his British bride, Brenda Williams Sayward. They enjoyed a marriage of 64 years, and had 3 children, Roland III “Rolie”, Glenys, and David. The couple settled in East Hartford where they were members of South Congregational Church.
Roland worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for 37 years in several capacities, including the sheet metal shop and in experimental engineering. He earned an AS degree in engineering from the University of Hartford and was interested in all things mechanical. He owned a 1936 Plymouth, keeping it running and completing his own minor restorations to preserve it. Roland gave the car to his son David and grandson Ben to continue tinkering with the antique’s potential glory. The Saywards visited Vinalhaven Maine frequently, where five generations enjoyed a vacation home in a community known for its lobster, fishing and former granite industry. Roland was interested in his ancestral history from 16th century England, Colonial New England, and specifically in Maine, where family farmland in the town of Union was passed down through many generations.
Roland was predeceased by his wife Brenda, his parents, and his sisters Virginia and Ruth. He leaves behind a loving family, appreciative of his steadfast presence, kind smile and hard work. Surviving are Rolie and wife Daniece Freng Sayward, Glenys and husband James Kucheman, and David and wife Sue Sayward, and many nieces and nephews. Roland and Brenda were blessed with 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. A graveside gathering at a family plot in East Longmeadow MA will be held in the fall. Memorial donations may be made to charities of personal choice.
A “Plant it Forward” Daffodil project for Gorham, ME begins this year, organized by Glenys Sayward and friends. The flowers will symbolize rebirth, hope, and resilience with the arrival of each spring in the community where Roland lived his last years. E-mail brightsideviews@gmail.com to reserve or sponsor daffodil bulbs for fall planting.
