Leslie Charles Sawdye

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Leslie ‘Les’ Charles Sawdye. He passed away at home and joined his Lord Savior on September 2, 2025. He was 71 years old. 

Les was born on July 26, 1954 in Bremerton, WA where he was raised by his parents Arthur Charles ‘Bud’ and Isabel Rebecca ‘Becky’ Sawdye along with his three sisters, Theresa, Luanne and Mary. Les graduated from West High School in 1972. After high school he began working as a shoe salesman at Carl’s Shoes in Bremerton. Shortly thereafter he began his lifelong career in the telecommunications industry, working in Seattle for 25+ years. In 1975 Les married Diane Gourlie with whom he had five children. He and Diane parted ways after 17 years of marriage although they remained friends. He found love again with Melissa Christopherson and they married in 2004. He eventually retired in Port Orchard with Melissa by his side.

Les is survived by his children, Jason Sawdye (Andrea), Kelly Swendt (Jon), Lorie Washburn (Dan), Rebecca Bridgman (David) and Angela Sawdye (Adrian), two grandsons (Landon and Walter), and five granddaughters (Madeline, Eva, Elsie, Freya and Alora) as well as his sister Theresa Gresley (Roger). He is preceded in death by his wife Melissa Sawdye, his parents Arthur and Becky Sawdye, his sisters Luanne Sawdye and Mary Rich, as well as his dear friends Bryan Petro and Diane Gourlie-Nelson.

Les was a hard-working, dedicated man who enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends. His children were of utmost importance to him and he was someone you could count on in times of need. He was a man of faith, being raised in the Catholic community and attending church at St. Gabriel’s in Port Orchard. Les loved watching sports, with football being his #1. You could find him every weekend during football season watching and rooting for his favorite teams, the University of Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks. Spending time in Ocean Shores was dear to his heart and he found comfort on those beaches. His kindness, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Memories of him will be cherished forever and he will be deeply missed.

Les will be cremated and buried alongside his wife at Sunset Lane in Port Orchard. A graveside service will be held on October 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."