CANTON — Ralph V. Sayer III, 61, a resident of Keene Road, Canton, passed away early Thursday, Dec. 20, at his farm surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 8, 1951, in Chester, N.J., the son of Ralph V. Sayer Jr. and Julia (Freeborn) Sayer. He was a 1970 graduate of Hackettstown High School in New Jersey. He continued his education at Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania, and received his associates degree in Dairy Management in 1972 from SUNY in Morrisville, N.Y.

On Aug. 3, 1974, in Canton, he married his wife of 38 years, Lola Keene. Together they raised their family and worked their farm in Canton. Ralph was a member of the Holstein Association, National Farmers Organization and served as director for Region 9 Technical Institute in Mexico.

He was an avid farmer, when asked “what do you do for fun” farming was his answer, he truly worked a job he loved. Ralph also enjoyed going to the agricultural fairs and having the opportunity to converse with other farmers throughout the state and country.

He was a man of principle and raised his family to have good work ethics and family values. Ralph was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lola Sayer of Canton; his children, Shannon Sayer of Boston, Mass., Kristi White of Fort Fairfield, Joseph Sayer and companion, Casey Hilton, of Canton, Eric Sayer and his companion, Shay Prosser, also of Canton and Jennifer Sayer of Fort Fairfield; one grandson, Dakota Vincent Robert White of Fort Fairfield; three brothers, Gordon Sayer and his wife, Pam, of Pennsylvania, John Sayer and his wife, Deborah, of New Jersey, and Joseph Sayer of Pennsylvania; three sisters, Linda Kinne of Pennsylvania, Nancy Sayer of Wisconsin, and Mary Bates-Sayer and husband, Nigel, of England; also his faithful border collie “Buddy” that went with him everywhere, truck, tractor, mower he never missed a ride.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.