Rally for the Sawyer Family in Tony's Memory

If you don’t know, now you know…

Kindred Anglers began with two strangers crossing paths on Facebook Marketplace. Travis Sawyer was selling his fishing gear to cover medical bills for his father, Tony, who needed brain surgery. Meanwhile, I am an avid Marketplace deal-seeker and saw the post and arranged to meet Travis.

When I learned why Travis was selling his gear, I immediately offered to help, telling him to keep his equipment and attempting to Venmo him $1,000 instead. Though my initial attempts at the transfer were unsuccessful, I flew to New Orleans to film a movie, and during that time, Travis added me on Facebook, hoping to prove the authenticity of his situation.

Soon after, Travis posted on his Facebook page, gauging interest in a fishing guide company. The enthusiastic responses caught my attention, sparking an idea. I reached out to Travis, proposing we partner: “What if I handle the marketing, branding, and community outreach, while you do what you’re best at? I’ll fund the startup, and we’ll build something meaningful together. You can spend time fishing with your dad, exploring local waters, and we’ll call it Kindred Anglers. It feels fitting.”

The partnership took root, and Kindred Anglers was born—a testament to Tony’s influence and spirit, which not only guided his son but brought together two strangers to create something extraordinary. Though I never met Tony, his spirit lives on through Travis and in the bonds that now connect us all. Tony’s legacy is woven into the heart of Kindred Anglers and everyone who subscribes to the culture that we’ve built together, inspiring and transforming lives through his quiet yet profound influence.

Last Wednesday, November 5, 2024, Travis’ father, Tony Paul (Wade) Sawyer, was found without a pulse, floating in the Colorado River near his place. While the loss is heartbreaking, there was no better way for him to go—he was doing what he loved most.

Tony’s spirit animal was a jerkbait-wrecking brown trout, and no one spoke its language better than he did. His pockets were always full of lint, knives, cigarettes, and about 20 Rebels and Rapalas. He lived and breathed fishing, embodying what it means to be a Sawyer. True to form, he went out on his own terms, redefining what it means to take “one more cast.”

And damn, if anyone deserved it, it was him.

This is where we come together as a fishing community—united by our shared love for the water and our commitment to supporting one another in times of need. Today, we ask for your help in honoring the life of a remarkable man whose spirit will continue to inspire us for years to come. The Sawyer family is facing the difficult task of laying their loved one to rest, and your generosity can help ease their burden during this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and show the Sawyers that they are not alone. Together, let’s rally around this family, celebrating a life well-lived and offering them the love and support they need. Thank you for being part of this caring community.