R.I.P.: Bud Sawyer, Veteran New England Personality

Bud Sawyer (1932-2026)

Bud Sawyer, a familiar voice on Portland radio for five decades, died early Tuesday, Oct. 27, at age 94, his son Mark Sawyer said.

Born Wellington Oliver Sawyer Jr., Sawyer built a 50-year career in Portland radio and became a fixture for listeners across the area.

Radio Career Timeline

• 1957–1958: Morning announcer, WPLM (Plymouth, MA) 
• 1958–1960: Afternoon announcer, WAAB (Worcester, MA) 
• 1960–1962: Morning announcer, WORL (Boston, MA) 
• 1962–1975: Morning announcer, WGAN (Portland, ME) 
• 1975–1977: Morning announcer, WLOB (Portland, ME) 
• 1977–1998: Morning announcer, WPOR (Portland, ME) 
• 1998–2005: Morning announcer, WLAM (Lewiston, ME) 
• 2000–2005: Continued at WLAM after the station moved back to Portland 

“He just exuded kindness, and it resonated with his listeners. He entered their homes, and it was an honor to him,” Mark Sawyer said.

Off the air, Sawyer was devoted to his family and believed in kindness, honesty and treating others with respect. He loved Maine and was, his son said, “a good, genuine, honest, hardworking guy.”

Sawyer and his wife, Jan, would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary in November. He also served as best man at his son’s wedding.

His outlook, Mark Sawyer said, came down to a simple principle: “It’s good for the soul to be kind to people. Just smile at someone; it doesn’t cost a penny.”