Toffie George Sawaya

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Toffie George Sawaya

September 25, 1920 ~ March 14, 2018

Toffie George Sawaya, our beloved father and Jidi (grandfather), passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on March 14, 2018.

Born in Orem on September 25, 1920, Toffie spent much of his youth working on the family farm. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a mechanic with the rank of master sergeant, working on DC3 and C47 aircraft, which were among his favorite planes, and he continued working on engines and motors throughout his life.

Toffie was united in marriage to Alice Attey on June 9, 1951 at the Cathedral of the Madeline. They moved to Ogden and opened one of the first Arctic Circle drive-in restaurants in Utah. He was passionate in supporting his employees and serving his customers, and greeted everyone with a warm smile and kind words, leaving an impression on the hearts of those he met throughout his life. Toffie was a pillar in the community, serving on many local religious and community committees and service organizations. He treasured everyone he met and lived a life of genuine kindness.

Toffie lived a wholehearted and active life traveling with Alice, friends and family. He was an undiscovered athlete who loved spending time on his boat, on the golf course (primarily Ben Lomond), or in the bowling alley (Ben Lomond Lanes). At the age of 88, he continued to bowl games on average over 200 points and had one of the highest scores in his league at the time. Even at 97, he remained active with exercise classes, Bingo and dancing as the Valentine’s Day King at Mountain Ridge. Toffie embraced life to the fullest and cherished every moment with passion and gratitude.

He is survived by his children, David Sawaya, Celia Anne (Doug) Corey, Richard (Jill) Sawaya, and Jeanette Sawaya (Gary Hoel); eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, on March 22, 2011; brother, Mitchell; and two sisters, Martha and Alice.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the administration and staff at Mountain Ridge Assisted Living: thank you for creating a community filled with love and support and embracing Toffie. To Dr. Holland, Aubrey, Kaylie and all staff at Comfort Worx Hospice Care: we are eternally grateful for the compassion and respect given to him. You treated our Jidi like family and your support will never be forgotten.

A funeral Mass was celebrated March 19, 2018 at Saint James the Just Catholic Church.