Obituary of Michael C. Sawyer

Michael Charles Sawyer, son, brother, husband and best friend. Geneseo resident, Michael C. Sawyer passed away suddenly at the age of 43, while hiking with his wife near Lake Placid, NY. He was born December 3, 1972 in Rochester, NY to Dori Sylvester Sawyer and John M. Sawyer Jr. He was the first of their five children. Michael was a man who loved life, and had an entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age. He sought to improve the world around him, as a consultant, trusted colleague, and friend. He believed in doing things right the first time. Michael graduated from McQuaid Jesuit in 1991. From there, he attended St. Bonaventure University achieving his Bachelor's degree in Finance in 1995. He played on the hockey team, made many great friends, and lasting memories with Matthew Carpenter (Clifton Park), Scott Alexander (Manhattan), and Derek Clement (Clifton Park), along with many others. Michael graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1996 with his MBA. Michael began his career in Rochester in 1996, serving as a Sr. Financial Analyst for many area companies. In late 2004, he left his career in corporate finance to co-develop Western New York Energy, LLC a $90 million fuel ethanol plant with his father John M. Sawyer Jr. Michael served as VP/CFO until his father's death in 2013, when he became President/CEO. Without his many dedicated years of hard work and sacrifice, the plant would not be in operation today. Michael was highly regarded among his colleagues and employees. Michael married Andrea Ryan Bentley on June 14, 2008 at Sweet Briar in Geneseo. They shared 15 wonderful, adventurous years together. From hiking on their property with their dog, Reilly, to four wheeling in Whistler, BC, spending time on Conesus Lake with family, to traveling across the state and country to participate in barbeque competitions, together, they travelled to all four corners of the United States. Michael served as a board member of the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy. He was a valuable member of St. Michael's Church serving on the vestry, finance and property committees. Michael was involved with the Medina Historical Society, and a Co-Chairman of the 2016 Rochester MDA fundraising gala. He is survived by his loving wife, Andrea Bentley Sawyer, mother, Dori Sylvester Sawyer of Geneseo, brothers, Eric Sawyer of Geneseo, Stephen (Elizabeth) Sawyer of Geneseo, Marc (Sarah) Sawyer of Austin, TX, and John Sawyer III of Groveland, nephew & nieces: Jack and Molly Sawyer of Geneseo, Katherine Beachel of Caledonia, Julianna Bentley of Manchester, in-laws, Jon and Denise Bentley of Tuscarora, Eric (Patti) Bentley of Manchester, NY, Courtney (Troy McKay) Bentley of Caledonia, aunts, Ruth (Stephen) Staley of Indialantic, FL and Deborah (Richard) Short of Alamo, CA, and several cousins. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10 AM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Geneseo with Father William Daniel officiating. Private burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Groveland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1425 West Jefferson Rd #19, Rochester, NY 14623 or St. Michael's Church, 23 Main St., Geneseo, NY 14454.