An eulogy for the Late Harry Sawyer
With great sadness I bid farewell to an esteemed Chartered Surveyor. The number one on the list of Ghanaian Surveying Members in Good Standing.
As a first year Land Economy student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology our year group was introduced to the first President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, an outstanding personality with imposing confidence. His name and titles and achievements as a Surveyor sent shivers through my spine.
He later demystified his confident looks to show that he was an outstanding leader that inspired encouragement of young Surveyors that were prepared to study beyond his own achievements.
With great confidence he assured many, of the bright future that awaits Land Economy graduates in the growing Ghanaian economy.
His lecture span all sectors of the Land Economy discipline and indicated that he was on top of his professional game and was a respectable and knowledgeable Surveyor.
Surv. Harry Sawyer was brilliant, and a highly accomplished General practice surveyor – one of the very best in Africa.
In recognition of outstanding achievements in establishing the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, he can be described as the father and mentor for many KNUST Land Economy graduates.
The most prestigious attribute for which I write this eulogy is the encouragement he personally gave to the first batch of General Practice Female Surveyors of which I happen to be one.
I remember that when I decided to set up my private practice, I had naively included other non-professionals as partners. The President at the time therefore rejected my application and requested that I resubmit for the next council meeting. I was very disappointed, until I had a visit to my humble office by the Great Surv. Harry Sawyer; he took time off to explain to me what the requirements were and encouraged me to resubmit my application accordingly. He said “as the first female to set up a private practice learn to do every assignment with integrity; so that other females will have the courage to do likewise”
Some are endowed with the grace of making others great; I received many other encouraging words at the various times that I met this great man;
I am assured that, God uses good and great people to make other people great.
In 1994 my company organised a seminar on the Building Industry, when he was invited he said; “My child you are doing well keep it up, I will attend personally” [this time he was a Minister of State].
God uses good and great people to make other people great; this reminds me that God can do anything that looks impossible, but he uses good and great people to make other people great.
As I say goodbye to a distinguished Surveyor, a Past President of the honourable profession;
My spirit is filled with gratitude: gratitude for his life; gratitude for making him the number one Surveyor in Ghana for life; gratitude for believing in the capability of women; gratitude for believing in the capability of the youth; and gratitude for the hope that he inspired in many.
You have bequeath to me and countless General Practice Surveyors, men and women, the ethics of professional integrity and you have helped us to understand that God uses good and great people to make other people great.
My prayers and condolences to the family and May the Good Lord rest his soul in peace.
By Surv. Princess Eva Monica Boateng
CEO of Property Investment Consultancy
[email protected]