Michael George Saunders

Michael Saunders, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on November 15, 2024, from natural causes. He was at home with his beloved dog, Rey.

Mike was born on June 23, 1951, in Norfolk County, Virginia to Shirley McGovney Saunders and George Saunders.

After Virginia, the family moved to Germany where Dad attended high school. It was there that he found his passion for swimming. He swam competitively in Germany until the family moved and settled in Utah, where he would later raise his family. 

Dad continued competitive swimming while attending Weber State University. He held the title for the back stroke and butterfly. He was a force when he was in the water. It was amazing to watch and so much fun to attend his swim meets. 

His love of exercise led him to competing in many triathlons. He came out as the winner of his age range several times and even the younger age ranges now and then. His children would spend many weekends chasing him along the path to provide water and cheer him on. He loved having his kids there to encourage him, and we loved being there. We were always so proud.

Dad’s favorite thing was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to laugh, and we loved making him laugh. He enjoyed biking and fishing. There were many camping trips to Lily Lake in the Uinta Mountains and horse rides at Simpson Springs. These were a few of his favorite things, and he loved sharing them with his children.

He was an incredible artist. His ability to draw was amazing, especially his sketches of horses and eagles. He was also an avid movie watcher. He loved Lord of the Rings, Monty Python, and a good western. His love of music carried on to his kids and he had impeccable taste…the Beatles, Led Zepplin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Rita Coolidge…the list goes on. 

Dad spent many years working for what is now known as L-3Harris where his father, and later his daughter worked. Three generations of the Saunders family made many lifelong friends there. He was loved by many. We are sending love to his L-3 family.

Mike is survived by his children Candace Saunders, Bountiful Utah, Cameron (Sarah) Saunders, Magna Utah, Morgan (Kiyus) Saunders, Draper Utah, Travis Saunders, Orem Utah, and Caylee (Daniel) Saunders, Erda Utah. He loved his grandchildren dearly, Josh, Kiarli, Colby, Lily, Elmer, Malem, Bobbie, Tristen, Mara, and Ivy. Mike is also survived by his brother, Kirk Saunders, nieces and nephews, and his dearest friends, Larry (Gale) Friedkin, Maureen (John) Nenow, and Chandra Mills. His much-loved dog Rey will remain with the family so we can care for her as much as Dad did. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Tuttle, brother Bruce Saunders, and his sweet horse, Jack. 

There will be two celebrations of life. One held in Mesquite, Nevada, and one in Murray, Utah. We will communicate the dates after the holidays. We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.star.mortuary. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to any animal shelter or horse rescue. 

We will love you forever and miss you always, Dad. If there was one thing, we always knew it was how much you loved us and how proud you were to be our dad. We are proud of you too. Our hearts may be hurting but they are also full of so much love.