Longtime Maine radio personality Bud Sawyer dies at 94

Author: Julia Deal/WCSH-TV

Bud Sawyer, a Portland radio personality whose career spanned five decades, died Tuesday.

Sawyer, whose full name was Wellington Oliver Sawyer Jr., was 94.

Throughout his 50-year radio career in Portland, Sawyer became a familiar voice to listeners across the area.

Mark Sawyer described his father as "a good, genuine, honest, hardworking guy that loved Maine."

Family was another important part of Sawyer's life. He and his wife, Jan, would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary next month.

Sawyer also recalled a special role his father played in his life: serving as the best man at his wedding.

As family, friends and listeners remember Sawyer, his son said his father's outlook on life was rooted in a simple belief.

"It's good for the soul to be kind to people. Just smile at someone; it doesn't cost a penny," Sawyer said.