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October 1941 - March 2021

SawyerrThomas Barber Abayomi

11am - 1pm, Monday 19th April 2021,
Venue: Christ Embassy , 15 Imperial Way, Croydon CR0 4RR
Burial: 2pm - 3pm, London Road Cemetery, London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3LN



Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

FUNERAL SERVICE

1. Procession: Led by Pastor Obi
2. Opening Prayers/Welcome
3. Hymn 1 - Love Divine
4. 1st Scripture Reading - Psalm 90 and John 11:24-27 Quintin Sawyerr
5. Hymn 2 - Great is thy Faithfulness
6. 2nd Scripture Reading - Philippians 4:4-9 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Joel Sawyerr
7. Hymn 3 - How Great Thou Art

8. Biography: Ade Sawyerr
9. Tribute: Wife - Christiana Sawyerr
10. Children - Dudley Sawyerr and Genevieve Sawyerr
11. Grandchildren - Tameka Korentang, Rafiq Sawyerr, Yasmeen Sawyerr and Zayd Sawyerr
12. Sawyerr Family - Torlu Sawyerr
13. Cousin - Dr Alice Sawyerr

14. Pastoral Tribute - Pastor Vero
15. Brief Exhortation - Pastor Uche/Pastor Obi
16. Prayer for the Family - Pastor Uche/Pastor Obi
17. Prayer of Thanksgiving - Pastor Vero
18. Recessional Hymn - Rock of Ages
19. Announcements
20. To the Graveside

Committal Service (At Cemetery)
21. Processional hymn
22. Sentences
23. Committal
24. Laying of wreaths
25. Vote of Thanks!
26. Benediction

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr winning the games. He was a devout Christian and leading
member of Christ Embassy, Purley Way.
BIOGRAPHY
Though a private and reserved person, he took his
Thomas Barber Abayomi Sawyerr Esq, FCCA responsibilities to his wider family very seriously, bringing
them all together and attending the many celebrations and
“And we know that for those who love God all things activities both in the UK and in Ghana. He was devoted to his
work together for good for those who are called to his wife Christiana, his children, Quintin, Dudley, Genevieve, Joel
purpose” Romans 8:28. and the seven grandchildren he leaves behind.
The international Sawyerr family of Ghana, Sierra Leone, the
Mr Sawyerr has passed on to eternity. Mr Sawyerr ran a UK and beyond mourn his loss.
successful accounting practice, T. Sawyerr and Co., on May our son, brother, father, and grandfather rest in perfect
Mitcham Road and in Battersea, from the mid-1980s until his peace in the bosom of the Lord his Maker.
demise on the 21st of March 2021 at 79 years of age. Abayomi, yaa wo ojogban ye Nuntso le mli
Tom Sawyerr was born in Cape Coast, Ghana on 14th October
1941, the eldest child to Jacob Adekunle Sawyerr and Hannah
Ademuyiwa both of blessed memory.
Tom started his elementary education in Cape Coast and
continued in Sekondi. He had his secondary school education
at West Africa College, Ebenezer Secondary School in Accra
and Ghanatta Secondary School, Dodowa where he sat for
his Cambridge School Certificate Examinations.

For his Higher School Certificate, he attended Adisadel
College in Cape Coast and was a member of the 1960
year group. He proceeded to the School of Administration,
University of Ghana opting to study Accountancy.

An opportunity brought him to the UK in 1967 where
he qualified as an accountant whilst working with the
prestigious firm Coopers & Lybrand. He later went on to
work in their Ghana Office in the mid-1970s but returned to
London after a few years. He then went to work in Cadbury
Schweppes in Nigeria as the Head of Audit Services before
again returning to the UK to set up his own practice in the
mid-1980s.

Mr Sawyerr was a diligent member of his profession in the
South London area helping to organise the activities of their
professional association. As an upstanding member of the
Ghanaian community, he volunteered his services as an
honorary auditor for the Gadangme Nikasemo Asafo.
Known as Uncle Tom to many, he was always helpful and
generous with his advice and time. An avid sports fan,
you would often find Tom cheering on his beloved team
Tottenham FC and glued to the tennis Open tournaments
and boxing events. Also, a keen shopper, Tom could be found
bargaining every Saturday for his love of fruits at Surrey
Street Market in Croydon. Not to forget, every Christmas he
would host his Sawyerr Ludo championship board game,
inviting all comers to challenge him and he would revel
in calling his dice numbers out loudly as he played, often

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr one sibling of mine to invite his family over for prayers.
When he arrived in the UK during his student days he at-
TRIBUTE TO MY DARLING TOM tached himself to Marylebone Parish church in the role of a
Myself and my lovely children all called him Dad and he “sidesman’’ -which he loved.
called me Mummy Sawyerr. If Dad was still here he would
say, We formed our own church at our home in London called
“Holy Ghost and Fire ministry”. Services were regularly held
Let us look at John 14 1:- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. in our living room. Tom and myself became Reverends and if
Trust in God ; trust also in me”. I wasn’t preaching, my husband Tom would be preaching. We
This is a comfort chapter to me and my children. taught members to impart the fire as well as to fast and pray.

I met my Tom at Accra New town. Years later, my brother Sam invited me to the “Christ Em-
During his school holidays from Adisadel college (in Cape bassy Church, Croydon” and we learnt more of the word of
coast) Tom would whistle for me to come out and visit the God, prayer and fasting. Gradually, we decreased our roles as
local cinema in the afternoon. My mother remarked “...there’s Reverends, however, we increased our roles in the Lord. On
a gentleman waiting outside for you”. behalf of myself and my children we thank “Christ Embassy”
We then slipped off away in the afternoon to visit the cinema for welcoming us.
together, to be back in time before our father’s came home. Now, the love and kindness from “Christ Embassy Church”
We wanted to respect our parents and our tradition. continues strengthening our family to do the Lord’s work.
Tom formed “The Sawyerr Prayer chain” and it’s still going a
Tom’s qualities year on. Every morning at 7.30am (without fail) we contin-
My Tom was a spiritual man, a child of god, a polite gentle- ue to impart the “fire” and pray. The children promised even
man, a perfectionist, a peacemaker and a good cook. when I and my husband reach heaven, they’ll keep The Prayer
An accountant with a difference, he looked after his clients. chain alive. This will make Tom so happy and he has ascend-
He was committed to toiling hard in the office as he put oth- ed to heaven in style.
ers first and himself last.
Daddy Tom was my lovely sweetheart. I’m very proud he mar- “We are the Sawyerr prayer chain and we thank God for this
ried me. I missed you on our 49th wedding anniversary Tom. day, We bless the name of the founder for the vision that he
saw, Glory hallelujah but our duty first to God then Man”
Happy days -The Sawyerr prayer chain anthem, 2021
1)The day we got married was the happiest day of his life.
2)The gift of our four lovely children who he taught to praise Thank you Tommy for your love and all you did for the
God Sawyer family and everybody.
3) Our holidays when we travelled all over the world to Ba- Every night you and I prayed together and enjoyed reading
hamas, Malta, Israel, Turkey, Dubai and South Africa- each the “Rhapsody of Realities….A Daily Devotional”
holiday was another honeymoon for us.
4) Shopping was his passion and by the time I told him “ you My sweetheart, we know you’re in heaven, when the trumpet
don’t need to go” he had banged the door and had already sounds we shall see you again.
left. Tom regularly came across his old acquaintances and O Tom you are my hero, I shall miss you. You’re a husband in
wherever he went shopping he was in his element. a million.
5) He was an avid sports fan and didn’t play around with his
tennis, snooker, football and boxing. When we sat together he Yaa wo odzogbann ye nuntso le gbei, Amen
talked to me about the good and bad football teams. He was Christiana Sawyerr
very happy when he heard one team had won and another
had lost.

Spiritual life
He was taught to praise God in his Early Years by his
grandfather Reverend Barber. We lived on the same road at
Accra New Town and in the mornings my father would send

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
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TRIBUTES FROM CHILDREN Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

To my father, my protector and my leader, It is an honour to be known as your eldest son.
Mr Thomas Sawyerr aka D-A-D Dad, safe journey from the physical to the spiritual, your
legacy lives on in all of us.
I cannot believe you are not here with us anymore, it feels so
surreal and I can still hear your voice now, calling my name, Quintin Nee Nortey Sawyerr
Quintin.
You were such a selfless and hardworking man, always Words from the Professor
making sure my mother, myself and my siblings were looked It is with the greatest sadness that brings me here to be
after. I remember when I was younger thinking you were writing a tribute to my late father Thomas Barber Abayomi
the most strictest man that ever lived, training us on how to Sawyerr known to me as D-A-D. He was always fairly formal
our wash clothes in buckets, inspecting how well we ironed and calling him D-A-D was a formal way of calling him dad.
our school uniforms, creating a rota system for myself and This has been hard for me as I have probably written so
my siblings to wash the plates, making us memorize our many versions of this with so many things to write having
timetables and woe betide you if we gave you the wrong known him all the 46 years of my life and it’s hard to narrow
answer. We obviously did not understand you were equipping that down into so many words It feels like it doesn’t do him
us with discipline and life skills, so we could function justice.
independently when we got older. Dad was so many things to me and a lot to other people, but
as Dad would say “Dudley, just get on with it.”
I would always ask myself why Dad was always harder on me I found the day after his passing the hardest day for me. The
than the others, “You would say you are the eldest and must biggest thing I noticed was I couldn’t pick up the phone and
lead by example”. Thank you for always being honest and speak to Dad as I would normally at least two times a day.
true, supportive and fair, meticulous and resourceful. He wasn’t there to answer the phone anymore and this has
In the last couple of years we bonded over 2 hour long made his passing very real.
telephone calls. You talked to me about your upbringing in Dad has left us feeling proud of all the things he has
Ghana, and how hard it was. Then coming to England via achieved and realised. He had done everything a man could
Germany and meeting my mother to start a new life. I thank want in life. With this comfort, it has helped me to want to
you for sharing that part of your life with me. celebrate the wonderful life of Dad and what he brought to
the world.
-I am going to miss you calling me out of the blue whenever Being his second son, I was always told that I take after Dad
you would have an IT problem in your office, and asking me and look like a Sawyerr, glad to continue that legacy. The
to come over to help fix it Sawyerr genes must be strong because I have also been told
-I am going to miss being able to call you out of the blue and that my eldest son has the Sawyerr looks.
have a chat about our beloved Spurs. Dad was proud where he had come from and told me how
-I am going to miss you telling me about the great history of the Sawyerr’s were renowned for being highly educated/
the Sawyerrs. bookish and professional. That definitely was the case with
-I am going to miss being able to ask you questions about Dad, who as we know was a top accountant. He made sure
Ghanaian history and politics. myself and my siblings were educated and as an accountant
-I am even going to miss you chastising me for not doing one of his first duties was to make sure we knew our times
something correctly, or doing it to your high standards that tables. Without fail we had to line up and recite them. Being
you always expected me to reach. an African dad and coming from a line of disciplinarians, I
soon learnt how to get educated really quickly. One of the
They say time flies when you are having fun, looking back I punishments of getting the tables wrong was the infamous
thoroughly enjoyed every moment of being a part of your life. stooping (balancing on one leg and stoop your whole body
I know the prayer chain we created as a family filled you with on your index finger.) I learnt the tables very quickly and
so much enjoyment and made you feel so proud. I will never till this day I owe my sharpness to Dad. He embodied the
forget, and will always treasure those memories. requirement of education and to push through no matter

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

what. He told me that “because of the colour of your skin you When I went into Kojo’s office I saw he also had a similar
may be judged”but he said “work hard and don’t let that be a filing system like Dad, and he was able to understand all
factor”, and I thank him so much for that guidance. Dad’s paperwork. I then asked him, “Uncle why are all you
To many Dad was a man of few words, firm, professional, accountants the same with this filing system that no one
educated but to me he was so much more. I was lucky to can understand?” He replied, “never get into the mind of an
experience the other sides of him that many people were not accountant and his filing system, it is a dangerous thing.” I
aware of, including his love of sports. soon realised it wasn’t just Dad, it is an accountant thing!
He especially enjoyed football, tennis, athletics and boxing. As I have grown older, I was been blessed to have formed a
He was a Tottenham fan and has passed that on to me and great relationship with Dad. We would have long discussions
my children, often having discussions with my youngest son, about politics, world affairs, sports and he would often share
Zayd, about Tottenham. He loved his boxing and people would stories with me of his life, usually ending with a proverb. One
say he resembled Muhammed Ali. He would often wake us he liked to say was “you can take a horse to water but you
up during the night when we were young to watch top boxers can’t make it drink.” His proverbs, which I now understand,
fight from America and that was something we continued to were part of my life lessons for which I am forever grateful.
enjoy as the years went on. Most recently watching the Tyson This has helped me have a better understanding of him and
Fury and Deontay Wilder fight together at 2am in the morning understand his dry sense of humour and his charm for which
where Dad would jump up at each big punch. I have kindly been blessed with.
I soon realised the number of similarities I have with him,
Every Christmas, Dad would entertain all comers to play not being judgemental, giving people a chance, having an
ludo and challenge him. He revelled in calling numbers when opinion, being passionate in debate, having an enthusiasm
rolling the dice “to knock you home”. He would joke and for life and driving. However now I know where I got my dad
produce a wooden spoon to those who lost and of course, he dancing skills from, My Aunty Josephine sent me a video of
made sure he never received it. Dad loved his fruit, and he Dad recently dancing and now it all makes sense. Another
would take us shopping every Saturday rain, wind or shine to trait I have in common with Dad, is he would put things away
Croydon market where he would grab lots of bargains buying in a safe place, so safe he couldn’t remember where he put
for tomorrow. The only downside was, we would have to carry it. I managed to inherit this as well and I recently found
many bags home, but I had to admit, this helped me build my some old black and white pictures when he was younger
muscles growing up. I realised he did this so we would never (some that even my Mother had not seen). One was of my
run out of anything. This was very typical of Dad – thinking of Dad in boxing gloves, and I was able to ask him about this
all of us first. picture and he explained his boxing name was Tommy-far
I am happy to have established a relationship with Dad as an and he shared that he would help out at the local gym. The
adult; helping me to drive and later advising me as a man, inscription on the picture said, “Beware of killer Tom else you
especially as I entered fatherhood. I gladly let him speak fall at round 1”. This explains his love for boxing.
to my children directly to receive the long lectures I once
endured when growing up, I’m sure they thank me for that. By now Dad, would say “Dudley, you talk too much!”
Dad would be known by his formal attire, his glasses, his Having spoken to so many people I have found out Dad’s
black briefcase (which I remember holding everything generous and kind nature where he would help others in
possible and seemed to weigh a tonne), being clean shaven, times of need. I would like to pay tribute for all that he has
hair combed and his formal greeting. For those who may not achieved and for the man he has made me today.
know, Dad did actually wear a pair of jeans but unfortunately
there are no pictures to prove this. At this point I can say “C’est fini” which Dad would say at the
I would sometimes help Dad out in his office where I worked end of a good meal.
during many summer holidays. Dad liked things put away
in a certain way and, as to be expected, as an accountant I hope to carry on and share his legacy and represent the
he would have his own unique filing system. One day he Sawyerr name and make Dad proud.
asked me to drop of some files to fellow colleague Kojo.
Your second son Dudley Nii Klu Sawyerr

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

My Dear father Thomas Sawyerr Final trumpet call
SUCH A SHOCK, CAN’T BELIEVE YOU’VE GONE! I dedicate this to one of the greats...my Father “Thomas
Sawyerr”.
He was such a loving caring father, a great man, very kind
and very patient. He always encouraged me to do my best You taught me well about doing the right things and how to
with my studies and to work hard. He was such an inspiration be “a good man”. No doubt your legacy lives on through your
to me and my children. As a child growing up with him, he wife, children and everyone you spent good times with.
was very strict, but it has made us strong and that is what
has made us all who and what we are today. He instilled in us There’s only one “Uncle Tom” and he etched his legendary
good discipline from an early age. I remember he used to tell status from his stories in the office as a self-employed
us and teach us how to wash our shirts & school uniforms Accountant. I had my own firsthand memories with times
ready for the week. And he taught us how to iron our shirts. spent there after school to make sure I did my homework. He
He always made sure we looked good. He would also cook was so entertaining and funny with clients, friends, family,
for us. All that he did for us has made me a good parent. He etc.
also loved teaching us Maths, being an accountant Maths One thing we all know is that he set himself up as a “neutral
was his thing and used to teach us our times tables everyday guy” and was careful to never pick sides during disputes. I
till we got it right. We also used to go shopping with him on admire his great strength when giving advice to those who
Saturday mornings, taking the bus 264 from Tooting all the sought his counsel and he helped build the confidence of so
way to the Croydon market and we would return home on many people.
crowded buses carrying heavy bags of shopping. Above all Dad, you did a fantastic job, you encouraged me to
study hard and be successful in whatever I set my sights on.
My dad always worked very hard at his office as an “Doesn’t matter what...you will make it”, I will never forget his
accountant. And was very dedicated to his work spending words and nor will many others. I think of happiness when I
long hours to do the accounts. He was a very busy man but see your big smile Dad.
always liked to help others as well. He always encouraged You were a father and later friend to me. Thanks for all the
us to work hard and stay disciplined. And he also used times we spent together.
to encourage my children, especially Tameka, his first Mum, your three bodyguards Evangelist Quintin, Prof Dudley,
grandchild to always work hard at school. They became very myself the Trumpeter and Lady Genevieve support you and
close and he was very glad when she went to university. are by your side
Well done Dad, now you are walking in the garden of Eden.
He was also very God fearing and would always pray and lead
us on the prayer chain. He’d introduce each of us and called Oyiwala donn, manna bo ke fay.
me Lady Gen. I always remember his long fervent prayers
where he’d pray for everyone, all his relatives, everything and From your youngest son.
everyone. Now Dad’s passing has left a void on the prayer Joel Okan Sawyerr
chain, but we thank God for his words of encouragement
and strong faith. We all miss him but he is at peace now in a
better place. What a wonderful man!

May God bless his soul and may he rest in perfect peace.

May God bless his soul and may he rest in perfect peace.
Genevieve Mama Odua Sawyerr

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr My grandad, a kind, wise, loving man who always cared for
his family. I shared a lot of hobbies with him, mainly being
TRIBUTES FROM GRANDCHILDREN football and Tottenham. He is the reason why our family
supports Tottenham. He will be missed, and he will forever
The relationship I had with my grandad is one only so many be remembered. I remember on Friday, 2 days before he
could wish for. Grandad not only taught me great skills, passed, he told us to keep up with our studies and pursue our
whether academic or leisurely but he was also one to rely dreams. But we should continue to smile as we got to know
on to provide good wisdom and advice on the journey of him and be happy that he lived a long life of 79 years. 
life he embarked on with such stoicism which I now follow. Zayd Sawyerr
I am truly blessed to have had my Grandad in my life, and
whilst he may no longer be able to provide that wisdom and Mr Thomas Sawyerr, my grandad - a man of few words and
advice to me as he did when he was with us, I can still have major actions. He always ensured that I was provided for,
solace that the things we did during his life have left a fertile never stingy or rude. A true man of God who did everything he
ground for me to grow and continue on my own journey. With could to provide for his family. 
enduring gratitude, I can celebrate the good he has brought I enjoyed our time together; the pleasure of going food
not just to me, but to us all.  shopping with him and unpacking the food too. I even
Rafiq Sawyerr enjoyed getting him the newspapers in the mornings. We
would even send each other news articles as we both held
Granddad was someone who encouraged all those around an interest in finance. There are many things I would have
him to strive for success and excellence. One of our last hoped for him to see, like my graduation. So much I wanted
conversations was about my future and what was ahead. This to know about him and talk to him about.
is something I admired, the focus on the future. Alongside The memories I have of granddad live on in my mind as I
our conversations on this, playing Ludo with Granddad was know that although he is not physically here, he will always
something ingrained in our childhood that had become a be around spiritually.
tradition. Something we all looked forward to every year. I am Tameka Koranteng
grateful to have experienced Grandad in my lifetime - to have
been able to have conversations and have him in my life. My We love you grandad, you were such a lovely and kind man.
memories of him will be everlasting. We miss you. Love from Jeremiah, Michelle & Christiana
Thank you, Grandad.
Yasmeen Sawyerr

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TRIBUTE FROM THE SAWYERR FAMILY Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

It is helpful, nay imperative, for a family to have some TRIBUTES FROM SIBLINGS
members who will counsel those in need of advice; some Tom, Tommy, Bro Abayomi, big brother  
who will straighten out erring ones; some who will seek
out those who are out of sight; and others who will offer Your death came as a shock to all of us and we are shattered.
practical help to those requiring it. Going to all lengths to It is only God who will interpret and make it plain. We
ensure unity and cohesion in the family, and doing her or his cannot question his mysterious ways. We grew up with our
best to settle differences among family members are also big brother at Sekondi and when our parents were leaving
tasks of necessity. to Accra an arrangement was made for him to stay with
a trusted relative the late C W A Sanniez of the Post and
Our grandfather the late Honourable Akilagpa Sawyerr had Telecommunication service who would train and care for
17 children. His children have begotten children whose him. Therefore, we got to know him better when he came
children have offsprings. Consequently, when you consider down to Accra after obtaining his Elementary School Leaving
Honourable Akilagpa Sawyerr ‘s family, you have a multitude Certificate popularly referred to as Standard Seven or Hall.
in mind. The worth of Thomas Barber Abayormi Sawyerr
whose life we celebrate on his passing on, touched every Our brother Tom was a good man. He was honest and frank,
branch of the family. He combined in his personality all the kind and patient. He displayed leadership qualities bringing
essential attributes, noted above, that a family must have us all together. He was helpful and supportive with his
to help sustain it. When he called from far away London, money. A highly principled man, he was diligent in his work
he made it a point to inquire about everyone; and when and regular in his habits.
he visited from London, he would have a long programme
of many relations that he must see personally. He did not Tom was an achiever. He was very focused on his aspirations
withhold financial contribution on occasions when it was and on the things he wanted to achieve in this life. Above all,
customary to do so. The advancement of members of the he clung to his God and we are glad that he did.
family in studies and station of life was his concern, and he
rejoiced whenever it occurred. He and his cousin the late Tom, how shall we tell your long-lasting friend, mother, and
Frank Sawyerr drummed into the ears of many members of grandmother, 96-year-old Auntie Ellen, of your passing? She
the family the importance of acquisition of land; and they will find it as hard to believe as we struggle to make sense of
assisted them to do so. it is a measure of the importance your demise. 
that Tom attached to the family that he came down from
London to play an important role in the funeral of his The news of your passing is like a dream to us as reflected
stepmother Mrs. Sophia Sawyerr. He did the same many in Revelation 14 verse 13 - “And I heard a voice from heaven
years later when her dear aunt Mrs. Aureola Heymann saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the
passed on. Tom, with his infectious smile, was modest but Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
nevertheless a great man. We may not be able to combine rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”.
individually in us all his strengths but, in tribute to him, let us
select, at least one of his strengths and characteristics that We shall certainly miss you.
held us together as a family, and which we have noted above,
and in so doing recall: To our children Quintin, Dudley, Genevieve, and Joel be
comforted in knowing that God will be there for you. He
Lives of all great men remind us, We can make our lives cares. To your beloved wife Christie, we share with you
sublime, And departing, leave behind us Footprints in the the irreparable loss of your dear husband. God will be your
sands of time. husband.  According to Isaiah 54 verse 5 “For your Maker is
your husband—    the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy
Longfellow One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the
earth..”

Tom, our big brother, Abayomi may you rest peacefully in the
bosom of your maker. Yaawo Ojogban

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

Reflections of my big brother Tom I cannot forget how supportive and caring you were when I
I shall certainly miss you. God placed you in my life to had my first child which was stormy. You really showed love
achieve a purpose and that has been done before your exit. and I can say that without your support I would not have
I recall some 51 years ago when I was a “Johnnie Just Come” survived the challenges that I faced.
Tommy picked me from a student’s hostel. I was wearing
trousers and a top made with our Dumas print material. Tommy was a good man, and I learnt a lot from him. In
How Tommy laughed and boy can he laugh!! He laughed and making plans for himself, he never forgot about others. I am
laughed and remarked, “ We don’t wear these Japanese pyja- now beginning to understand the reason our father entrusted
mas here”! me into your care. You made sure each time you came down
you visited me and we continued with our jokes and our calls
189 Junction Road NW is where he took me, cared for me, which usually lasted over one hour. Unfortunately, we never
and initiated me into London life and some few days after had that last chat. I desperately wanted to do something
the “Honeymoon” period, accompanied me to the Susan about it whilst praying in the background. But God knows
Lawrence hostel at Kings Cross. Brother Tom and I did a lot best, a higher authority over our lives. I can liken this to the
of socialising, window shopping at night, attending parties, piece in Shakespeare’s Macbeth “Life is a walking shadow a
weddings, and engagements. Reggae was on top and life poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and
was sweet, but he used to say London The Leveller will level then he is heard no more.” You have fulfilled God’s purpose
you and you will be smart. It is not all about socializing that for your life. When the roll is called up yonder you will be
man is made for therefore brother Tom introduced me to there.
a Christian Fellowship where we worshipped, served God
and exchanged ideas. He also introduced me to Mr and Mrs Dear brother Tom I am not the only one in tears. All your
Neale with their daughter Rose Mary who used to invite me siblings and I will forever miss you. Beloved wife Christie, I
for lunch or dinner. My friends at the hostel regarded Tommy know it is hard, but you will survive. Keep on trusting God, He
as a very caring brother by the way he was frequenting the will be your husband. To Quintin and siblings, God will be your
hostel to check on me. I vividly remember the weekends at Father, He will provide all your needs if you ask Him.
189 Junction Road. Tommy would accompany me to the train
station to catch a train back to my hostel after he had helped Tom, Tommy, Big Brother, Abayomi, fare thee well till we
me with my accounting assignments. meet again on the Resurrection Day.
Tommy, it was at your place that I wore my first winter
coat and I saw the first snow on 24th night and it was that Rest in perfect peace. Yaawo Ojogbaa
same night his wife Christie took me to a TILL DAYBREAK
party (little did I know that they were courting). It was Diana Mama Odua Sawyerr-Okpodu  - DM 
freezing cold, and I was stamping in my boots as we waited
for transport which was delayed. Two years later saw me, My brother Tom was a good man who wanted everyone to be
Papa E.V.O, late Aunty Martha, Tommy himself and others successful. He stood as a Father to me and my siblings as
all dressed up at the same place to attend his wedding well as my children. He was also my advisor and mentor. He
to Christie. I remember your friend Bro Akwei of blessed helped me to be independent and hardworking in my career.
memory. He nicknamed you “lawyer” because you always He was also a great blessing to my family.
insisted on doing the right thing. They failed in taking you to
the pub. However, his stepdaughter Diana and I had a jolly I know I will remember my brother for the love, gentleness
time when he was at work. Bro Akwei would say in Ga “kaa and deep affection he freely gave to all. And l know we shall
ha ni lawyer le”. meet again in glory in the presence of the Lord.

I saw Tommy one day in tears. I asked him why. He replied Rebecca Sawyerr
that it was because he had been referred in his chosen
course. I comforted him and said to him, you will pass, and he
did pass the examination.

16

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
17

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

My senior brother has died, and his wife says he has Mr Victor Amaning also played a role as a tutor, but it was
gone to heaven! Tom who paid for my extra classes to get me into shape
– he had landed a job at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
Tunc meus maximus frater turris forti mihi fuit atque nimis courtesy of late Aunty Sussie Laryea. I suspect that it was
ei fortitudine gentes confisi essemus. nunc abiit. itaque eius something to do with the accounts office.
uxor me adfert ut ad caelum pervenisset. Utinam animus in
magna et aeterna pace requiescat. From him I had to learn all the Latin aphorisms that were
mottos for our secondary schools and their meanings in
Growing up, I thought that my eldest brother Tom and Cousin English and this was before I went to secondary school.
Bibi Mould were the coolest people around. I hang on their Then he went on to sixth form to become a Latin Scholar of
every word. I do not know whether it was because they were all things, serious stuff of discussing ‘unseen’ with our father
the tallest people around or because I learnt so much from whilst I listened totally clueless but looking forward to my
them as a precocious questioning child. With Cousin Bibi time of knowing – tolo, tolere, sustili, subilatum. 
it was about his teaching me how to tell the time at a very
early age and with my brother Tom, the fascination was He went on to work at the Electricity Corporation of Ghana,
about his teaching me everything else and to top it all, also again courtesy of an Uncle Sowah and then the focus
about the fact that he owned a bicycle at a time when very all changed from Latin to Institute of Cost and Works
few people owned bicycles. Most people who wanted to ride Accounting or something like that. Somewhere along the line
a bike, went to Ajimbola outside the house and of course that he had fancied going into the army, so we had to go morning
experience was forbidden to most of us. He rode the bicycle trotting from Lagos Town to Kotobabi as he prepared for the
to school every morning and he took great care of it, really life of a soldier. Somehow, he never made it.
good care and I used to sit down, and watch fascinated as he
washed it, cleaned it, oiled it and put it away carefully. I do not know whether the regime was too much for him,
but accounting won over Latin. He came to the School of
As I grew other, I started sharing the same bowl with him Administration, which was very convenient for me because
because our other brother Bela, preferred aboloo to our it was on what is now the western compound of Achimota
staple kenkey. It was from Tom that I had to learn the art of School. I got to meet all his friends, La Mantse, Nungua
eating with an older person and making sure that you took Mantse, Mr Fliescher, Mr Nortey and Mr John Teye who set up
your turn with the meat. Then he left Jamestown and went the famous school John Teye Memorial School and whose
to Dodowa with our father, and I had to stay behind in Accra books on management I inherited when I went into the first
because of my schooling. By the time we met again at Accra year. I in turn passed on my books to his son Otuteye when I
New Town, he was now much taller than our father and left. I timed my visits to the Western Compound to coincide
compared to me still a small boy, he was really a big man. with the time when they were having their afternoon tea,
The relationship was much closer now but there were several with scones and all the other trumperies – maybe that was
more things in the mix. He had acquired the discipline of why I wanted to attend the same school.
adjustment having stayed with several uncles in Sekondi and
in Teshie where they – he and Bela, had run away so to speak, Tom was always about teaching me, so I remember that
from the discipline of Ataa Nii at Krobo into the fire of Papa even when he came to England and I was a first-year
Akwetey Lokko at Osu RE. He would give us castor oil every student studying accounting, his letters to me were always
Saturday without fail to purge us. about the theoretical principles of accounting, issues about
conservatism and consistency, reliability and prudence,
Well, there are many more stories of childhood growing up, relevance and accuracy, and substance over form – all
but Tom was a brother whom I looked up to at all times. principles that he lived by in his own life.
I was still in primary school when he started working
and he played a crucial part in the effort to get me into He also knew the value of sacrifice – ‘suffer to gain’ was the
secondary school. mantra that he shared with our cousin Zeus as they debated
the things that they needed to forgo in order to forge ahead
in life and their life of frugality.

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

I never did get on their wrong side when they worked as a A well-rounded person, honest and forthright’ strict in
team whilst I worked out my quirks as a young teenager maintaining discipline and very much an advocate of the
blooming into adulthood. They treated me well and helped to truth and yet circumspect in his pronouncements but ever
inculcate in me the art of speaking my mind and articulating willing to help at all times – that was Tom, a supporter,
my views freely even when I was wrong. What started as teacher and explainer.
a daily discussion of the 7 o’clock evening news under our
father’s tutelage, asking us to debate the day’s highlights Once, my brother was my pillar of strength and we, a family,
proved to be an invaluable asset in helping me build my relied on his strength very much. Now he has passed away.
confidence. Timid I was because I was not sure whether And so, his wife brings word to me that he has arrived in
what I said made sense, but he would ask that I though the heaven. May his soul rest in great and eternal peace.
youngest and the smallest amongst the pack should also be
heard. Bra Abayomi, Tsulo kpakpa, Tsulo kpakpa, yaa wo
ojogban ye Nuntso le mli
My brother loved a good argument on any subject under the Mi, AD, Ade Sawyerr
earth and he had trained me so well that we debated every
subject on the land trying to solve all the problems of the
earth, political problems in Britain and economic problems
in Ghana. Those long inconclusive discussions were always
adjourned to be continued at another time. I asked him
questions about the family and the fact that he had left
Ghana too early to take on the mantle of leading the next
generation back home, though he did so admirably well in
doing so in England.

In one of our last conversations, he told me how proud he
was of me – a great honour for me when I reminded him that
some 40 years or so ago when I had been hospitalised, it was
he who bought me my first set of crutches that started me
on the path of learning to walk again. I encouraged him and
told him that there was no reason why he would not recover
from his illness. I was very sorry to hear of his passing and
I regret not having the courage to visit him because I have
been shielding for the past year in a Covid bubble of my
own. We never had the opportunity to dissect Covid-19 much
in the same way that we had done with Brexit and he had
encouraged me to write on the issues.

Tom, my brother nurtured me, he encouraged me to explore
the issues about culture and identity when I got involved
in my Gadangme issues. He honoured all invitations from
the GaDangme Nikasemo Asafo to their annual Homowo
festival celebrations. He told me that he was proud to be our
Honorary Treasurer and also that he wished he could have
played a fuller part in its operation. Indeed, Tom never missed
any event relating to the Ghanaian community or to the
family.

19

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr Fare thee well Uncle Abayomi “I shall see you when our
paths cross again.” May your soul rest in perfect peace and
TRIBUTES FROM NEPHEWS & NIECES also guide and protect the remaining members of your family
in these unfortunate times.
My tribute to Uncle Tom Uncle Abayomi affectionately called Tom Sawyerr was a true
Oh, my dear uncle Tom, as I called him. How could you leave gentleman and a Unifier who brought the Sawyerr family in
us without saying goodbye? He was a father, brother, uncle, the UK together. Personally, he and Uncle Adeyemi were very
brother-in-law to many. He would take time out of his busy instrumental in helping me settle down during my early years
schedules and was always there for those who needed him. in the United Kingdom. I appreciate all the support I received
He made time and had a listening ear for anyone who met from members of my family here and in the US, especially
him. More importantly, he had time for his beautiful wife, the Bryants, during my son Nathan’s naming ceremony.
children and grandchildren. On one occasion, I called upon From time to time, Uncle Abayomi and I engaged in lengthy
him because I was stranded alongside the road. He told me chats about the family back home, sharing his knowledge
to wait there and before I knew it, he was there with his car of our history that I knew nothing about. Uncle Abayomi had
to pick me up and take me home. also a really close relationship with my late father “Zeus”
that went beyond family bonds. 
He was God fearing and took his religious activities seriously. They will be remembered with fondness; their memories will
What I remember most about him was his infectious smile. live on forever!!!
Always smiling! Every year at Christmas, he would gather the Uncle Abayomi, may you rest peacefully in the bosom of
family together for our famous Ludo game, something which the Lord.
gave him great pleasure. We cracked jokes and laughed “Yaa wo Odjo gbaan”
amongst ourselves. He was also passionate about boxing Kwartey Sawyerr
and whenever there was a boxing match, he would call me
to ask if I wanted to come and watch it with him. Sometimes **My soul is weary within me. As I travel down memory lane,
I would bump into him doing his weekend grocery shopping I remember all the words of advice given to me by my uncle,
and I would drop everything to help him load the shopping that says “Hold on to the Lord always and stay close to Him
into his car. On a few occasions I accompanied him back to (Lord)”,
their home so I could help him with the heavy stuff. He never I will always miss you and love you uncle.
failed to show his appreciation and would invite me in for a Rest in perfect peace in the Bosom of the Lord. 
drink and a chat before I went back to my place.Although an
uncle, he was my father. He played the fatherly role. He made Missionary Kayode Muritala Peter Suberu (Nephew)
me feel important. He called me the ‘bloke’. But he also had
a special name for me, one which even made me feel more Uncle, you are deeply missed by us all. 
important. He called me Columbus, and before I knew it, my Uncle Sawyerr was a powerful influence in my life and that
cousins started calling me Columbus too. He knew my late of my family. I still hold dear the advice he gave me when my
father and often spoke fondly of him as a nice man who was father the late Issac Danso sadly passed away. Whenever I
always smiling. sought counsel, he always imparted wise words that I need-
ed to hear.
Psalm 56:8 “...put thou my tears into thy bottle.” Tears are I personally will miss him very much; he has left a legacy of
prayers too. They travel to God when we can’t speak. Called love behind.
to glory by the Almighty God, but you will never be forgotten. Rest in everlasting peace Uncle Sawyerr
I think of things you used to say and do. I know that you Daniel Danso and Family
would not want me to be sad forever so I remind myself of
the happy times we shared. The only consolation I have is
knowing that God never sends you into a situation alone. God
goes before you. He stands beside you. He walks behind you.
Wherever you are right now, rest assured that God is with
you.

Rest in the bosom of the Lord my dear Uncle Tom.
Christopher

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

I know this is a hard time for all of us, we are comforted just Uncle Tom, the story of my success in life is not complete
knowing that all our loved ones have gone on to glory and are without the steering role you played.
indeed with our Lord Jesus Amen.  When I was a child and growing up in Nigeria, I always looked
I laughed thinking about my uncle. Trust Uncle Tom to leave up to him as an uncle, father and a role model. Indeed, he
us on a Sunday, the best day! I am sure that when he was was my source of Inspiration.
asked whether he wanted to stay on in heaven or return to The loving memory of his love, care and support will linger
us, he gladly said he wanted to stay. on forever. When I came into the UK he and his wife Auntie
I bless God for him, he was indeed my favourite uncle and Christie gave me a place to call Home.
when I rang him to tell you about my daughter and grandsons When I appeared to be lost and in need of guidance on my
passing, just hearing his voice started me off again. next step to take, he encouraged me to further my university
He is so missed, and we thank our God for the time we had education. He ensured that I enrolled in the University to
with him. pursue my Masters Degree.
I loved him so much, the way he accepted me just as I am, On my Big day he travelled from London to Manchester to
encouraging me to continue in the Labour Party. He said he walk me down the aisle to the admiration of my husband and
would come along and campaign with me for my selection to others. It was a great honour to see him beside me playing
Parliament. that fatherly role in my life. Whenever I called on him for
He was just absolutely great. advice, he readily gave it. Sometimes he looked me in the eye
I was reminded of when grand mum died, I remember the and offered objective advice that sometimes did not go well
Spirit of God showing me Habakkuk 3:17-19. with me and scolded me whenever I wanted to go astray.
It says Uncle Tom, but I usually call him ‘dad’ being my mum’s elder
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there’s no brother, was a pillar of support for all the family members
grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the that came to him. How will I forget all those conversations
fields lie empty and barren  we had on the phone, telling me how grateful he was to
Even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns God that his biological children (my cousins) have accepted
are empty. 19. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.I will be joyful in Christ in their lives how they have this prayer chain every
God my salvation  morning and pray together as a family. How he was always
The sovereign Lord is my strength  asking about the welfare of the members of the extended
He makes me sure footed as a deer, family and to offer whatever form of assistance he
could render.
able to tread upon the heights. Amen.  Our pillar of support, love and Care is Gone.
Let us remember that in God’s presence Uncle Tom is far Our Patriarch has gone home to be with his Maker.
better off and Heaven is rejoicing as he will be joining them... We will surely miss him.
Let’s be strong and praise God anyway! Amen However, we take solace in the fact that he is resting at the
bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Much love: Esther Amaning
RIP Uncle Tom Sleep On Beloved!
From Oluyemi Oduwusi

21

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr I must go back to his wedding. It was a matter of deep joy for
me to have been his best man. I came down to London for a
TRIBUTES FROM COUSINS tailor to take my measurements, and on a second trip to try
on the suit to see if it was well sewn.
In or about 1963 Tom visited me in my School with Aunty I was then studying in England. On my way from Ghana to
Ore Heyman. I looked him up when he was at School of study in the United States in 1976, I stopped over in London to
Administration now University of Ghana Business School. spend some time with Tom and his family. Our cousin Alice
They were on part of Achimota School Campus. The bond that was in London and on being told by Tom of my presence,
tied us together went beyond cousins to very close friends. came to see me at Tom’s flat. He always wanted the
He was disciplined and very frank and didn’t mince his words. togetherness of family. I have lost a Dear Friend and so has
Our leaders must seek first the best interests of the People the Sawyerr and allied families.  Christie and Family the Lord
and not their selfish interest was what he championed. will be the husband, father and grandfather you have lost. 
Needless to say, he was most disappointed in the governance
that was our lot in Africa. He set much store by family and Tom, Rest In Peace.
put in all effort to rejoice with those who rejoiced and mourn Victor Dankwa
with those who mourned. His financial contribution was
not found wanting on such occasions. He came down from
London for the funeral of our dear Aunty Ore. As in other
home comings, he made time to look us up. And when I lost
my Sister in July last year, his words of consolation were
most welcomed, and so was his financial assistance.

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Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

It is with a very heavy heart that I pay this tribute to our We took family pictures with the bride and groom and sent
leader and first grandchild (“Piesse”as the Akans will say) of them home to the rest of the family in Ghana.
our late grandfather. Bro Tom as I affectionately called him By 1974 I had completed my studies here and fortunately had
was a leader par excellence. I greatly admired this quality in the opportunity to further my studies in Canada.
him. His leadership quality was in full display during family I informed Abayomi, he encouraged me to continue to study
gatherings and occasions. I can particularly vividly recall hard and not to let the Sawyerr family down as this was
how he took charge of his father and stepmother’s funerals going to be my first time on my own without Uncle Sapara &
to the admiration of all of us. Although he was a leader, he Aunty Janice not keeping an eye on me. 
was a gentleman, soft spoken, of quiet disposition, kind and a In 1987 my family and I moved to the UK and joined a wider
peace maker.  ‘Sawyerr bubble’. 
I got to know Bro Tom during my secondary school days I was now married and a working mother with 2 young
when he and the late Zeus used to visit Miltsa Gorno to children. Abayomi welcomed us, was very supportive
interact with my senior siblings, cousins and other family emotionally and physically throughout that settling in
relations. We drew closer when I started working and later, period. My children spent weekends and school holidays
he became a personal friend and a confidant.  with Abayomi’s children at their home. 
In recent years we communicated frequently and on a Abayomi was not just my first cousin, he was my big brother
number of occasions he requested me to undertake certain and confidant. I memorised all his business and personal
special errands for him. We last spoke to each other on the telephone numbers so I could reach him at any time night
27th of January 2021 when he called to update me on an or day. 
errand, I had run for him. Alas I missed his last call on the 7th I would call him late at night to unwind, ask for advice,
of February 2021.His death therefore came to me as shock guidance when necessary or for him to stand in for me with
although he had intimated to me that he was recovering my children when I had to travel abroad.
from one of his bouts of illness during our last conversation. When my Mum joined my family from Sierra Leone in early
Bro Tom your departure will leave a big vacuum in the family 1989 Abayomi would visit us regularly to make sure Mum was
which may difficult to fill. Fare thee well my leader, senior being well looked after.
brother and friend. Bro Tom rest in peace in the bosom of He would always bring provisions, fruits and goodies for the
the lord. whole family. Abayomi was also there for us when my Mum
Aki Sawyerr passed in January 2004. I was at an all-time low. The children
and I had to take Mum’s body to Sierra Leone for the burial.
A Great Tree has fallen in the Sawyerr Family!  On our return both children went back to university. 
It is unexpected, feels tragic, yet it is an inevitable part of the Abayomi was there for me, he would visit and sometimes
human life cycle that we all have to go through! take me out. I would at times drive to his office to sit and
I was introduced to Abayomi in early 1970 by Uncle Sapara chat with him while he worked. At other times he would
Sawyerr at a family gathering here in London. He left Ghana mimic the way I cry till I stop crying and was able to drive
for the UK 1967 so we hadn’t met. Abayomi welcomed me home safely. He would not go to bed until I called to confirm I
with open arms and addressed me as ‘Ali’. Since then when I had arrived home safely.
hear a voice call me ‘Ali ‘ I immediately know it’s Abayomi! Abayomi was compassionate, principled, forthright, kind,
It was a small group of Sawyerr’s here in those days, so we respectful and playful. He had a wicked sense of humour and
kept in touch regularly by landline or in person. would tease and remind me of little gaffs that I had made
In the summer of 1972, Uncle Sapara, his wife Auntie Janice when I hadn’t listened to his advice.
and I attended Abayomi & Christie’s wedding and joined the As the eldest grandson of Lawyer Akilagpa Sawyerr, he took
other Sawyerr family members present then: Papa EVO, (the his leadership responsibilities seriously.
best man) and Mama Diana (Abayomi’s sister). He organised us here in 1994 for late Frank Dayor Sawyerr’s
I was the youngest Sawyerr among them then. It was a (Zeus) remembrance service, and again for late Uncle Harry
memorable day for us all. Sawyerr’s remembrance service in November 2013.
On a more joyous occasion, he organised Frank Nii Kwartey

23

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

Sawyerr ‘s son’s out-dooring ceremony in August 2015. I particularly like the sentiments expressed at Job 14:13-15,
Which we all attended and enjoyed with Auntie Marion where it promises a resurrection of the dead: “O that in the
(Liverpool) and cousins from the USA joining us. Grave you would conceal me, That you would hide me until
Abayomi has always been a phone call away from me and my your anger passes by, That you would set a time limit for me
family. He will be sorely missed, but he will forever remain and remember me! 14 If a man dies, can he live again? I will
deep in our hearts. wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief
We take courage accepting that he has worked very hard and comes. 15 You will call, and I will answer you. You will long
his work on earth is now done.  for the work of
May Abayomi’s gentle soul now rest in perfect peace. Amen your hands.”
Alice Sawyerr Yes, Jehovah God will have a yearning for the works of his
hands. We have this assurance that our God knows the pain
Tom, or “Bro Abayomi Onukpa”, or “AB”, as some of us called we suffer from losing our loved ones in death. May all draw
him, was kind, mild tempered, and a loving cousin. comfort in the knowledge the ransom provision of Jesus
Our two families (JA’s kids and Uncle Ade’s family in opens up wonderful opportunities for all mankind.
Newtown) grew up in close proximity to one another, and G Aki Sawyerr, Newtown PA
so there are many childhood memories. The most vivid was
when Tom, Bela and my brother Dayor, got with my brother I am touched by these tributes. I am sorry I never had the
Abayomi (aka Paddy) to help straighten Paddy out on some chance to meet Tom. Having known the great Zeus how
challenges he was dealing with as a youth. interesting it is to know Tom and Frank were so close. One
Fast forward, in August of 1996, I traveled to London on known to be quiet and unassuming and one whose presence
business. It was my first time in London, and Tom gave me a filled a room upon entry. Yin and yang. They balanced each
treat I can never forget. He came to my hotel on a Saturday other on earth and are doing the same for one another....
morning, then we embarked on a tour of London: Kensington together once again in the great beyond. One day all
Palace area, Marks and Spencer, Hyde Park, double-decker Sawyerrs will be together. Such a privilege to be reconnected
bus ride, Tower of London, the area around Buckingham with this family. My granddad William Kofi Sawyerr, Akiligpa
Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Harrod’s. Then I was invited Sr’s older brother is with Frank and Tom in the beyond and is I
to a dinner party at his house where I met the family. He am sure pleased.
arranged for our cousin Alice to pick me up from my hotel, Celeste Bryant
and Alice and I have been close since then. Well, it was a
fabulous time together. As we traversed London, we chatted I knew Tom as a quiet and unassuming gentleman, very softly
about our two families (JA’s and Uncle Ade’s families). spoken and who always greeted me with a smile. Tom could
There was a book that was circulating that was causing be seen at all major family events. He was instrumental in
controversy; we had strong opinions about that book. In arranging a memorial service for Zeus in London several
short, we caught up on all that we had missed the last time years ago and was present at my brother Julian’s funeral in
I saw him in Ghana when he worked at Coopers & Lybrand. Birmingham in 2016. 
In January 2007 he and his brother AD stood up, traveled
from UK to Minneapolis-St. Paul (in spite of AD’s illness) for Tom, you have left a big vacuum which will be difficult to fill.
Onike’s burial. That was the last time I saw Tom in person. We shall miss you dearly. 
Over the years from 1996 to the last couple of years, we had Rest in perfect peace. 
occasional phone conversations, usually quite long. The last Harriet Omolola Sawyerr
long chat was after our Auntie Ore passed away. We shared
our memories of our times with Auntie Ore.
Sadly, we did not get to chat in the last couple of years, and
so I am looking forward to the time when we will do so. Jesus,
at John 11:11 likened death to sleep.

24

I thank God for the life of Tom Abayomi whom He has called Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
to rest. Our brother, Father, Uncle, and friend was very
instrumental in all that he did, especially with regard to the TRIBUTES FROM IN-LAWS
Sawyerr family. He brought us together, kept us informed on
all that went on with the family here and in Ghana. I am very Farewell my dear brother-in-law. You left us so suddenly,
grateful for the way he handled everything. I say a big thank a big shock to everyone. The ways of the Lord are beyond
you and offer my condolences to the family and children. our understanding but as we mourn the loss of our beloved
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. brother, husband and father we continue to trust the Lord to
Cousin Abayomi Yaawo ojogabaa, rest in peace. comfort us all in these difficult times. You always insisted
Olayomi Sawyerr the right thing was done. We miss you dearly. Rest in perfect
peace in the bosom of the Lord. 
IT’S THE LORD WHO GIVES AND IT’S THE LORD WHO TAKES. From Dan Mensah and family.
IN ALL THINGS LET’S GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD. 
My big brother- in-law Tommy as I usually called him
The news of Tom’s demise left me in shock and dismay. It suddenly passed on to glory and I first heard the news
inevitably reminded me of the realities of life. Tom and I through another family member living in Kenya because my
spent some quality time in Accra, in 2017, after the funeral sister Christie was in a state of shock. Later I confirmed the
of a relative in Osu. We promised each other to meet shortly sudden demise with her, and we prayed to God for him to
thereafter, either in London or again in Accra. Little did we have run a good race on Mother Earth. He served mankind
know that we won’t be granted that luxury. Life on earth according to the Will of God and now has shed off his
is a transit, and by God’s grace, we shall meet again. Rest physical body and is in his spiritual body with the Lord. He
peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. always had a good sense of humour with a smile on his face
Reggie Sawyerr and was never judgmental but advised according to God’s
Plan and Wisdom. Tommy your good deeds on Mother Earth
Let us give thanks to the Lord for he is good, and his mercies will be with us always and continue smiling in the arms of
endure forever. Amen. The breaking news flash like lightning the Lord till we meet again. Blessed be God.
and thunder piercing stabbing our hearts. We are appalled, Sam Van der Puije
devastated and grief stricken at the debilitating news. Rest
in perfect peace.  Our Dear Uncle Tom
Caleb Sawyer We remember Uncle Tom for his love, devotion and
dedication to honesty. A dutiful brother-in-law and who
naturally commanded respect. His mild temperament and
warm laugh when telling you the facts, his pearls of wisdom
will be greatly missed. We were immensely touched by his
kindness to our family over the years and his wise words.
Uncle Tom, we believe you are resting now. John 5:28 assures
us - “the hour is coming in which all those in the Memorial
tomb will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out.
Uncle Tom we are going to miss you now but very soon we
will see you again.
Warm love Santiago Family

25

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr TRIBUTES FROM COLLEAGUES

Our dear brother-in-law and Uncle Tom...often affectionately Tribute to Brother Sawyer as affectionately known by his
known in our family circle as ‘Primate’; (meaning chief Christian friends. I remember our little Christian group at
bishop!) the same name he would use to address me Bellamy House on Garratt Lane, Tooting Broadway. Brother
(Emmanuel Victor Amaning) whenever we met. For years we Sawyer and Sister Sawyer managed to hold us together in
addressed each other as such, followed by hearty laughter! the Christian faith. I can say my Christianity grew stronger
Uncle Tom’s infectious laugh and twinkling eyes! What a and that has me who I am today.
uniquely wonderful man Uncle Tom was. Such a humble,
resourceful man, who though often quiet and unassuming, Brother Sawyer taught me how to drive in the year 1980 and
was very firm in his principles and Christian beliefs. He truly 1981. I will never forget those years when I used to drive in
loved the Lord. the old Datsun 120Y and he would sit by me and all the way
Uncle Tom was popular with the Mensah family of Accra from Garratt Lane to Croydon Church Street Market to buy
New Town even before he married his dear wife, Christiana. fresh fruits and as a learner driver I used to drive slowly and
We were familiar with his kind spirit and personable nature Brother Sawyer would say in Ga, sister Beulah “nye nor, nye
for over 50 years, so his passing is indeed a great loss to us. gas nor” meaning I should press on the accelerator to go
A long-time friend and family member who gave us so much faster. Oh, Brother Sawyer I shall keep that in memory for
of himself. He was very proud of his family and did much to ever. May you rest in perfect peace. Amen. 
support and encourage us all, both here and abroad. Sister Beulah
Uncle Tom was a good Christian man who was a peacemaker
in so many ways. We thank God for his words of wisdom and Sincere condolences Ade Sawyerr and Thomas’ family. I knew
strength over the years.  Thomas well many moons ago when he looked after the
An exceptional brother-in-law and Uncle that we could accounts of the Society of Black Lawyers and its charitable
always rely on; a great organiser who was so jovial and arm. Thomas was a stalwart in the community. Always
approachable. We miss his regular Saturday greetings in dependable, professional, witty and caring. How many
Mitcham Town Centre! He always had time to chat and share small businesses, organisations and charities did he help?
a joke, even with his busy schedule!  Samuel has very fond Countless! May he Rest in Eternal Peace....although knowing
memories of being in the office with Uncle Tom and his son his character, he is probably advising the Good Lord on the
Joel. They would be summoned after school and Uncle would rights and wrongs of his book-keeping!!
always make them laugh and give them the same advice; Rosemary Emodi
work hard and read! His advice lives with us to this very day
and memories of Uncle Tom will always make us smile. *For Further tributes, photos and videos Please visit:
Uncle Tom was a great guy and we truly praise God for a https://www.forevermissed.com/thomas-barberabayomi-
life that blessed so many others. His sudden departure has sawyerr
indeed caused much pain and sorrow, for Uncle Tom has
been more than a brother-in-law...more than an Uncle; but
we are grateful for the God-given privilege of knowing and
sharing in the life of Uncle Tom. May he sing continually with
the angels in the mighty Name of Jesus.
From Mr & Mrs E.V.Amaning and Family, London.

26

HYMNS Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS HOW GREAT THOU ART

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father Oh Lord, my God
There is no shadow of turning with Thee When I, in awesome wonder
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Refrain
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness Refrain
Morning by morning new mercies I see Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth He bled and died to take away my sin
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art

27

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr ROCK OF AGES

LOVE DIVINE Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Love Divine, all loves excelling, Rock of ages, cleft for me
Joy of heaven, to earth come down, Let me hide myself in Thee
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown. Let the water and the blood
Jesus, thou art all compassion, From Thy riven side which flowed
Pure unbounded love thou art; Be of sin the double cure
Visit us with thy salvation, Cleanse me from it’s guilt and power
Enter every trembling heart.
Nothing in my hand I bring
Come, almighty to deliver, Simply to Thy cross I cling
Let us all thy grace receive; Nothing in my hand I bring
Suddenly return, and never, Simply to Thy cross I cling
Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, Naked, come to Thee for dress
Serve thee as thy hosts above, Helpless, look to Thee for grace
Pray, and praise thee, without ceasing, Vile, I to the fountain fly
Glory in thy perfect love. Wash me, savior, or I die

Finish then thy new creation Rock of ages, cleft for me
Pure and spotless let us be; Let me hide myself in Thee
Let us see thy great salvation, Rock of ages, cleft for me
Perfectly restored in thee, Let me hide myself in Thee
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

28

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
29

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr Psalms 90
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
SCRIPTURE 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou
Philippians 4-4-9 hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. to everlasting, thou art God.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at 3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye
hand. children of men.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and sup- 4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when
plication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known it is past, and as a watch in the night.
unto God. 5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever it is cut down, and withereth.
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever 7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever we troubled.
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there 8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in
be any praise, think on these things. the light of thy countenance.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, 9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our
and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be years as a tale that is told.
with you. 10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and
if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot in- away.
herit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit 11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to
incorruption. thy fear, so is thy wrath.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
we shall all be changed, hearts unto wisdom.
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: 13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised thy servants.
incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this be glad all our days.
mortal must put on immortality. 15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be 16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto
brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swal- their children.
lowed up in victory. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and
establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work
John 11:24-27 of our hands establish thou it.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in
the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the
Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

30

Rest in Peace Thomas Sawyerr
31

VOTE OF THANKS

The paternal and maternal family, siblings, wife and children of the late Thomas Sawyerr
in the UK and abroad wish to express their profound thanks and gratitude to all who have

individually and collectively sustained us with prayer during this difficult period.
We also wish to thank those who through acts of kindness and generous donations have made it

possible to lay the dear departed to rest.