William Saunders
August 27, 1918 — October 9, 2015
Our family grieves the loss but celebrates the life of our husband, father and friend William (Bill) Saunders, who passed away October 9, 2015. Bill was born in Buchanan, Michigan in 1918, to Louis and Alice Saunders. The great depression came while Bill was young and his family, like many, faced severe hardships. His father, an electrician, lost his job and the family lost their home. To help provide for the family, Bill quit school, and in 1941 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the destroyer, The Kennison, throughout WW11. Life took meaning when he met the love of his life, Florence Bailey in 1942. Both knowing what they wanted, married after being with each other on only 3 occasions. Following the war, they settled in Pacific Beach, California, where they raised four daughters.
In 1947, Bill joined the Operating Engineers Local 501, and continued his education to later become the Chief Engineer of Foremost Dairies. In 1973 they moved to Las Vegas where shortly after he went to work for the MGM Grand Hotel. He rode his bike to work every day, until he retired in 1983. In 2002 Bill and his wife Florence moved to Boulder City.
When he wasn't working, he loved to read, and enjoyed playing tennis, bodysurfing, fishing, and camping with his family. Bill will be truly missed and will forever remain lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
He leaves this world with the love and gratitude of his wife Florence of 73 years; daughters: Theresa Saunders, Flagstaff, AZ; Cathy (David) Vaccari; Alice Galvin (Tim) of Las Vegas; and Barbara (John) Sharp of Boulder City; 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.
The Saunders family extends much appreciation to the Nevada State Veterans Home staff for the bountiful care and kindness extended to Bill and his family.
Celebration and thanks for his life will be held with much love, at the Boulder City Cemetery pavilion, Tuesday October 13, 2015 at 11:00. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com