Robert M. Saywell Jr.

Dr. Robert M. Saywell, Jr. 79, of Carmel passed away July 15, 2021.  He was born August 4, 1941, in Providence, Rhode Island the son of the late Robert M. Sr. and Allana (Sawyer) Saywell.  He married Constance Wright on December 6, 1974.

Growing up in Rhode Island he developed a love of the ocean and as a result he constantly sought out ways to spend time by the water—taking his sabbatical in Key West, planning family vacations to Emerald Isle, NC and convincing his children that locks on the Mississippi were almost as fun as the beach.

He enthusiastically embraced life and was quick with a compliment—every meal was the best he had ever eaten and everyone who helped him knew of his appreciation. His love of travel meant that he spent many summers taking his family on camping adventures and seeking out the best key lime pie in the country.

He found great joy in teaching graduate students, mentoring Boy Scouts, and dispensing advice to his family. He had strong opinions and was always willing to share them with others from his belief in the necessity of national health care to how best to roto-till a garden bed. Always interested in making the world a better place, he threw himself into his research with the hope that knowing more would help us all do better.

Making new friends through his work and travels came easy to him, and he often drew a crowd. Meeting people and sharing stories energized him in ways that some of the more introverted members of his family admired. Whether it was teaching from a podium or speaking in front of Congress, he was a master communicator.

He was deeply devoted to his family and was proud of all their accomplishments, both big and small. He would talk about his grandchildren’s swim meets, choir performances, and birthdays to all he met. Everyone within earshot knew he loved his family

He accumulated numerous degrees in his lifetime: BA and MA from the University of Rhode Island, PhD from Colorado State University, and MPH from Johns Hopkins University, although his proudest graduation was from Dean College in 1963, where he received his Associates degree. Dean College sparked his love of learning. He spent over 40 years teaching and writing, ending his career as professor emeritus in the Department of Family Medicine at Indiana University, Indianapolis.  During his career, he earned numerous awards and accolades for both his teaching and research.  He authored hundreds of publications and was involved in numerous research studies as a result of both his work with the university and his private consulting firm.

In addition to his deep love for his work, he was passionate about Boy Scouts serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 120, Carmel, IN from 1993-2001. His accomplishments in scouting included earning his Silver Beaver, Minisino, Firecrafter, Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow; he mentored over 50 Eagle Scouts during his tenure.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Constance Saywell; four children, Lisa (Judy Houck) Saywell, Erin (Michelle) Saywell, Lauren LaViolette, and Andrew Saywell; four grandchildren, Katie, Archer, Kinsey, Bowen; and his sister, Susan Stallings.  He was preceded in passing by his brother, Stephen Saywell.

A sharing of memories will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of sharing at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Indiana Minority Health Coalition, https://www.imhc.org/ or Boy Scouts–Crossroads of America, https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.