Richard Saunders

S aunders , Richard Andrew “Dick”    Passed peacefully in his home on April 14, 2014.  Dick was born May 31, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts.  His parents were Arthur and Bessie (Mangum) Saunders.  Dick was raised along with his older brother Arthur, in Auburn, New Hampshire by his paternal grandparents, John and Edith (Swymer) Saunders, when his mother passed at a young age.  Dick married Ruth Elizabeth Conley (Camden, Maine) the love of his life, on September 24, 1949.  They travelled the country, as he proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War.  On July 22, 1952, Dick and Ruth had their son, Ricky.  After moving his family to California, Dick started employment with The City of Burbank as a mechanic.  He was a dedicated employee for thirty years retiring from the Public Works Department as a heavy equipment operator.  Dick lost his beloved wife, Ruth, in 1984.  After retiring in 1991, he moved to Palmdale to be near his dear friend Diane, and her family.  He was a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society, driving patients to their treatments and doctor appointments.  He received the American Cancer Society’s President Award in recognition for his many years of service.  Dick was a wonderful friend and neighbor; you could always count on him to lend a helping hand.  He always put others before himself.  Dick was a wonderful father, grandfather, and uncle.  He is survived by his son, Dr. Richard Wayne Saunders, his daughter-in-law, Michele (Sardo), his grandchildren, Madeline Elizabeth and Richard Blake.  He is also survived by his nephews, David Saunders (Tennessee), Steven Saunders (New Hampshire), Miles Saunders (Alexis) and their son, Liam (New York), and his cousin, Terry Ullman (California).  He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.  A service will be held at 9am, on Monday, April 28, 2014 at The Old North Church, Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA.  You may sign the condolence book at:   www.chapelofthevalleymortuary.com .  Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, Palmdale Directors.