Stephen A. Sayward

Stephen Alonzo Sayward, 90, passed away peacefully on 26 December at his home. He was born in Willsboro January 25, 1925, the son of George N. and Mabel (Phelps) Sayward. He was one of 11 children, having seven brothers and three sisters.
He married Virginia (Robinson) in 1948. A life-long dairy farmer and logger, he owned and operated Hillcrest Farm from 1947 until 1981. He then worked at Essex Farm, Westport SPCA and finally for NYSDOT at Lincoln Pond rest area. He hauled canned milk to Boquet, Westport and Crown Point for many years as well as saw logs and pulp wood to area mills. He scratched out a living the best way he knew how and never shirked a task. His love of horses led to many memorable hay-rides in the North Country with friends and his team of Belgian draft horses. He enjoyed horse pullings and county fairs, leading to trips as far afield as Ontario, Canada and Topsfield, Mass. He was a past president of the Essex County Fair Association.
For those acquainted with his ribald and infectious humor, he will always be remembered as more than just a headstone in the ground. He was one of the tillers of the soil, sowers of the seed, brothers of the highway and children of the wind. Like Jefferson, he always maintained that those who labour in the earth are the chosen people. Like all strong-willed men, he was never easy to drive in harness or light in hand. When they made you, Brother, they broke the mold and sadly this is where the cowboy rides away….. may the circle be unbroken!
He is survived by his sons, Steve Jr. (Mary) Sayward of Essex, David (Pam) Sayward of Willsboro, daughter Susan (Leon) Angevine of Portales, New Mexico, his companion Alecia Kelly of Essex and his dog Sasha and cats, Angel, Pumpkin, and Malcolm. He is also survived by his sisters, Gladys Cushing of Willsboro and Betty Lou Squire of Plattsburgh. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shelley (Freddie) Field, Matthew (Carrie) Sayward, Travis Sayward, Dustin (Hannah) Sayward, Tara Sayward and fiancé Nate Doner, Sarah (Jon) Forbes, Kathleen (Ben) Sanchez and great-grandchildren Allison, Wyatt, Will, Conner and Ryleigh.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Virginia, brothers Earl (Helen), Norman (Mary), Ralph (Ruth), Russsell (Martha), Richard (Virginia), Wayne (Aileen), and Lawerence (Betty).
He is also predeceased by his sister Alice (Bob) and brother-in-laws Bob Squier and Bud Cushing.
At his request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the family’s convenience. Memorial donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice or the Essex County SPCA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Marvin-Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown.
To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence, please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com .