Owvan "Oywan" Sawyer passed away with her children and closest friends by her side on November 8, 2019. She became terminally ill in 1982 and had since fought a long and courageous battle with end-stage renal failure, followed by congestive heart failure.
Beloved mom, and second mom to many, Oywan was born in Thailand; her name means sweet sugar cane. She and her husband David made Las Vegas their permanent home in 1975 and started their family.
Oywan was an honorable woman who served her family and community. She was one of the first Thai settlers who helped grow the Las Vegas Thai community into what it is today, she is a fixture of Thai history. During the past 20 years she held the position as Editor in Chief of Las Vegas News, Nevada's largest Thai newspaper, which she founded in 1999. Through the years she earned numerous awards and recognition from Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman, countless elected officials of the State of Nevada, and the Royal Thai Consulates of Thailand. She was considered the ultimate success story by her peers and associates. She earned a well deserved recognition as a "Nevada Parent of the Year" on July 13, 2013 by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, former Senators Dean Heller and Harry Reid.
She never let it be known that she was terminally ill and kept her health challenges well hidden. Some days were more difficult than others, but she stayed strong even while enduring daily dialysis treatments for several decades. She was a fighter, and she lived each day with positive light and energy. Her doctors were always impressed with her positive attitude.
Oywan was a petite lady with a larger than life personality and presence. Everyone knew her as the little lady with the biggest caring heart; she always had a big bright smile on her face. She was always dressed nicely in her bright colored outfits and a matching hat - she loved cheerful colors. Her face was always glowing with happiness. Her large personality and loud voice livened up every room she walked into like no one else could. You could tell by her contagious laughter and cheer that she enjoyed life to the fullest. She always had funny stories to share and made people laugh and smile with her. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She called everyone "Honey" and she instantly made people feel loved.
Her greatest loves in life were family, food, gardening, animals, and Muay Thai. She enjoyed socializing, and loved attending Muay Thai fights. She was affectionately known as 'Muay Thai Fight Mom' in the fight community. She was an icon. She was a loyal friend to many, a philanthropist who generously helped others without expectations. Above all, Oywan was a devoted wife and mother and her family was the most important element in her life.
To all who knew her, Oywan will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind and generous lady. It was a blessing to know her because she was an extraordinary lady who will be dearly missed, a legend who will forever live in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, survived by their three children, eldest daughter Christian, daughter Natalie, and their son James.
Owvan and her husband David are now resting together at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada.
1900 Veterans Memorial Dr.,
Boulder City, NV 89005
Beloved mom, and second mom to many, Oywan was born in Thailand; her name means sweet sugar cane. She and her husband David made Las Vegas their permanent home in 1975 and started their family.
Oywan was an honorable woman who served her family and community. She was one of the first Thai settlers who helped grow the Las Vegas Thai community into what it is today, she is a fixture of Thai history. During the past 20 years she held the position as Editor in Chief of Las Vegas News, Nevada's largest Thai newspaper, which she founded in 1999. Through the years she earned numerous awards and recognition from Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman, countless elected officials of the State of Nevada, and the Royal Thai Consulates of Thailand. She was considered the ultimate success story by her peers and associates. She earned a well deserved recognition as a "Nevada Parent of the Year" on July 13, 2013 by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, former Senators Dean Heller and Harry Reid.
She never let it be known that she was terminally ill and kept her health challenges well hidden. Some days were more difficult than others, but she stayed strong even while enduring daily dialysis treatments for several decades. She was a fighter, and she lived each day with positive light and energy. Her doctors were always impressed with her positive attitude.
Oywan was a petite lady with a larger than life personality and presence. Everyone knew her as the little lady with the biggest caring heart; she always had a big bright smile on her face. She was always dressed nicely in her bright colored outfits and a matching hat - she loved cheerful colors. Her face was always glowing with happiness. Her large personality and loud voice livened up every room she walked into like no one else could. You could tell by her contagious laughter and cheer that she enjoyed life to the fullest. She always had funny stories to share and made people laugh and smile with her. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She called everyone "Honey" and she instantly made people feel loved.
Her greatest loves in life were family, food, gardening, animals, and Muay Thai. She enjoyed socializing, and loved attending Muay Thai fights. She was affectionately known as 'Muay Thai Fight Mom' in the fight community. She was an icon. She was a loyal friend to many, a philanthropist who generously helped others without expectations. Above all, Oywan was a devoted wife and mother and her family was the most important element in her life.
To all who knew her, Oywan will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind and generous lady. It was a blessing to know her because she was an extraordinary lady who will be dearly missed, a legend who will forever live in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, survived by their three children, eldest daughter Christian, daughter Natalie, and their son James.
Owvan and her husband David are now resting together at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada.
1900 Veterans Memorial Dr.,
Boulder City, NV 89005
Owvan "Oywan" Sawyer passed away with her children and closest friends by her side on November 8, 2019. She became terminally ill in 1982 and had since fought a long and courageous battle with end-stage renal failure, followed by congestive heart failure.
Beloved mom, and second mom to many, Oywan was born in Thailand; her name means sweet sugar cane. She and her husband David made Las Vegas their permanent home in 1975 and started their family.
Oywan was an honorable woman who served her family and community. She was one of the first Thai settlers who helped grow the Las Vegas Thai community into what it is today, she is a fixture of Thai history. During the past 20 years she held the position as Editor in Chief of Las Vegas News, Nevada's largest Thai newspaper, which she founded in 1999. Through the years she earned numerous awards and recognition from Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman, countless elected officials of the State of Nevada, and the Royal Thai Consulates of Thailand. She was considered the ultimate success story by her peers and associates. She earned a well deserved recognition as a "Nevada Parent of the Year" on July 13, 2013 by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, former Senators Dean Heller and Harry Reid.
She never let it be known that she was terminally ill and kept her health challenges well hidden. Some days were more difficult than others, but she stayed strong even while enduring daily dialysis treatments for several decades. She was a fighter, and she lived each day with positive light and energy. Her doctors were always impressed with her positive attitude.
Oywan was a petite lady with a larger than life personality and presence. Everyone knew her as the little lady with the biggest caring heart; she always had a big bright smile on her face. She was always dressed nicely in her bright colored outfits and a matching hat - she loved cheerful colors. Her face was always glowing with happiness. Her large personality and loud voice livened up every room she walked into like no one else could. You could tell by her contagious laughter and cheer that she enjoyed life to the fullest. She always had funny stories to share and made people laugh and smile with her. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She called everyone "Honey" and she instantly made people feel loved.
Her greatest loves in life were family, food, gardening, animals, and Muay Thai. She enjoyed socializing, and loved attending Muay Thai fights. She was affectionately known as 'Muay Thai Fight Mom' in the fight community. She was an icon. She was a loyal friend to many, a philanthropist who generously helped others without expectations. Above all, Oywan was a devoted wife and mother and her family was the most important element in her life.
To all who knew her, Oywan will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind and generous lady. It was a blessing to know her because she was an extraordinary lady who will be dearly missed, a legend who will forever live in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, survived by their three children, eldest daughter Christian, daughter Natalie, and their son James.
Owvan and her husband David are now resting together at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada.
1900 Veterans Memorial Dr.,
Boulder City, NV 89005
Beloved mom, and second mom to many, Oywan was born in Thailand; her name means sweet sugar cane. She and her husband David made Las Vegas their permanent home in 1975 and started their family.
Oywan was an honorable woman who served her family and community. She was one of the first Thai settlers who helped grow the Las Vegas Thai community into what it is today, she is a fixture of Thai history. During the past 20 years she held the position as Editor in Chief of Las Vegas News, Nevada's largest Thai newspaper, which she founded in 1999. Through the years she earned numerous awards and recognition from Mayors Oscar and Carolyn Goodman, countless elected officials of the State of Nevada, and the Royal Thai Consulates of Thailand. She was considered the ultimate success story by her peers and associates. She earned a well deserved recognition as a "Nevada Parent of the Year" on July 13, 2013 by Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, former Senators Dean Heller and Harry Reid.
She never let it be known that she was terminally ill and kept her health challenges well hidden. Some days were more difficult than others, but she stayed strong even while enduring daily dialysis treatments for several decades. She was a fighter, and she lived each day with positive light and energy. Her doctors were always impressed with her positive attitude.
Oywan was a petite lady with a larger than life personality and presence. Everyone knew her as the little lady with the biggest caring heart; she always had a big bright smile on her face. She was always dressed nicely in her bright colored outfits and a matching hat - she loved cheerful colors. Her face was always glowing with happiness. Her large personality and loud voice livened up every room she walked into like no one else could. You could tell by her contagious laughter and cheer that she enjoyed life to the fullest. She always had funny stories to share and made people laugh and smile with her. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She called everyone "Honey" and she instantly made people feel loved.
Her greatest loves in life were family, food, gardening, animals, and Muay Thai. She enjoyed socializing, and loved attending Muay Thai fights. She was affectionately known as 'Muay Thai Fight Mom' in the fight community. She was an icon. She was a loyal friend to many, a philanthropist who generously helped others without expectations. Above all, Oywan was a devoted wife and mother and her family was the most important element in her life.
To all who knew her, Oywan will be fondly remembered as a friendly, kind and generous lady. It was a blessing to know her because she was an extraordinary lady who will be dearly missed, a legend who will forever live in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her husband David, survived by their three children, eldest daughter Christian, daughter Natalie, and their son James.
Owvan and her husband David are now resting together at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada.
1900 Veterans Memorial Dr.,
Boulder City, NV 89005
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