.  KENNETH BRUCE SAUER SR (1949-2017)

Ken Sauer was born in Sellersville on Jan 3, 1949 to Jean and Ernest Sauer. During high school, he joined the Naval Air Reserve where he served for 6 years.

In 1968, he married Marie Hoare, a 1967 graduate of Archbishop Wood HS. In 1972 their daughter, Colleen was born, followed by Ken Jr in 1975. The Sauer Family were avid campers, and to that end, many happy trips were made to Otter Lake in Canada, the Poconos, and Disney World Campground.

During his working years, Ken held various management positions in the heavy equip industry. In 1985, he enrolled in night school at Delaware Valley College heading for a BA in Business Administration. Sometimes holding down two jobs, he spent the next 10 years getting his degree. (graduating Magna Cum Laude)

Ken was crazy about Hatboro-Horsham, and he and Marie attended every reunion. He was a member of the reunion committee for several years, hosting a few of the meetings at his home and working on 1991 and 1996.

The Sauers lived in Chalfont for 25 years, and North Wales for 16. Because Ken had happy memories of childhood summer vacations on a lake in Connecticut, he dreamed of eventually retiring to a place on the water. Marie’s sister’s family lived on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, and Ken and Marie loved the area. They moved there from Pennsylvania in 2009, and he retired a few years later.

Ken was extremely happy in his retirement. He spent a lot of time on the lake, did plenty of fishing, doted on his 7 grandchildren, and engaged in numerous activities involving helping those in need. A man of deep faith, Ken was a Stephen minister through his church; a position to counsel, encourage, and support people with challenging life situations. As an accountant, he worked through the Christian Ministry to advise and assist those struggling with their finances.

Active and healthy, Ken enjoyed playing tennis. After one game in 2014, he experienced unusual back pain. His doctors discovered a large tumor in his lung. He had surgery immediately, followed by both chemo and radiation treatments. The cancer seemed to have been beaten, and he was in remission for a time, but in 2016, it returned. After more chemo, more radiation, and 2 courses of experimental drugs, Ken lost his courageous battle on July 25, 2017.

In October 2016, our classmates were thrilled that Ken and Marie were able to come up for our 50^th reunion. It was the last social function he would attend. Although very weak, he rallied for a few days and had a grand time that night; reconnecting with old friends and receiving encouragement and well-wishes all around.

On August 5, a memorial service was performed at his home church, Bethlehem United Methodist in Moneta, VA. A large gathering of family and friends attended. His eulogy was written and delivered by Ken Jr. (he has the same confidence and rock-steady demeaner as his dad).

Many thanks to Marie for providing the information and photos. She had a wonderful 48-year marriage to this man and was happy to share.