Jane Sawyer

Jane Elizabeth Sawyer died at her home in Boulder, Colorado on July 12, 2012, after a long struggle with cancer. She was 60. She was cremated and her ashes will be interred in a family plot in Torrington Valley View Cemetery during a grave side service on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 11:30 am with Reverend Ora Dailey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 2702 Main St., Torrington, WY, 82240. Music was Jane’s reason for living. A deeply spiritual and faithful woman, she did not fear death, and she said that when she could no longer play or be involved with music, then the time had come for her to simply let go. Jane was born July 5, 1952 in Torrington, Wyo., the daughter of George P. Sawyer and Roberta Rose DeWitt Sawyer. She graduated from Torrington High School in 1970 and went on to earn Bachelor’s degrees in math and music at the University of Wyoming. She also earned a Master’s in organ performance at Southern Methodist University and did doctoral work in music theory at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. She married Alexander Brinkman in 1983. The couple later divorced. From 1988 to 1997 she served as Director of Music and organist at Irondequoit United Church of Christ in Rochester, where she also was an instructor of music at the Eastman School. From 1978-80 she was the organist at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Boulder. As the long-time Director of Music at First Congregational Church in Boulder, she played the organ and directed four choirs, including vocal choirs for adults and children and accomplished adult and youth handbell choirs. She was instrumental in the remodeling and rebuilding of the church organ, and bringing in world-renowned organists for concerts. She also held other church positions in Rochester, Dallas and Laramie, Wyo. Jane was a member and served two years on the Executive Board of the Denver Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She also was a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and the Choristers Guild. She is survived by her brother and his wife, Jon and Karen Sawyer of Evergreen, and their two sons, Kit and Travis. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, David Sawyer.

Jane Sawyer

July 5, 1952 - July 12, 2012