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Lynn SANDERS Obituary
December 13, 1948 -
October 30, 2014
Lynn Sanders died of lung cancer on October 30, 2014 at his home in Portland, Oregon. Lynn was born in Austin, TX to James Olcutt and Phyllis Sanders, the oldest of five children. He and his family later lived in Delaware (OH), Philadelphia (PA), Wilmington (OH), Cleveland (OH) and Bogota, Colombia. A graduate of Antioch College and the University of Texas School of Law, Lynn practiced as an attorney in Austin for 35 years. Lynn spoke fluent Spanish and never met a stranger in any language. He married fellow Antioch student Deborah Edward in 1974. He was well known around the courthouse for his sense of humor and his wise counsel. He was active with the Austin Tenants Council, Volunteer Legal Services and was a long-serving board member for Front Steps. In 2010 Lynn and Deborah moved to the West Coast to be close to family and the mountains, living in Sacramento, CA and, later, Portland, OR. He spent the last years of his life cycling with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club, and volunteering with group bicycle rides and Tax-Aide, which provides free tax services. Lynn is survived by his wife Deborah Edward, his children, Jess, Dana and Jono, as well as his siblings, Marta, Jay, Fred, and Elizabeth and their families. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Amnesty International or Doctors Without Borders. There will be a memorial celebration Saturday Dec 6th 10 am at the Whisenhunt Stage at Zach Theatre, Austin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lynn SANDERS
Linda Magee
November 4, 2019
My memories of Lynn continue to bring a smile to my face. As a family-law attorney, he could have been tightly wound and closed. Instead, he approached everyone with openness and a sense of humor that helped us take time to understand our cases and not lose perspective. His was a brilliant approach to practicing law and living life. He was a zealous advocate, a gracious mentor, and a wonderful person.
Lauren Crane
December 16, 2014
I just learned of Lynn's passing. My deepest condolences to his family. I will always remember his warm heart and relaxed sense of humor.
James and Ana Borne
December 5, 2014
Deborah and family we were saddened at the news of Lynn's passing and send our deepest condolences. Through the years as our paths crossed it was always special. Good memories of the kids growing up, and of all the good work you did in the community. You'll always have many friends in Austin. Peace & love.
Sue Sheppard
November 16, 2014
I was very sad to learn of Lynn's passing. He was a remarkably cheerful and optimistic person, and I am among the many who will miss him.
Linda Magee
November 15, 2014
I was saddened to learn of Lynn's passing. I ask the family to accept my heartfelt sympathy. I have many fond memories of Lynn. Judges, opposing counsel, clients, colleagues and court staff all admired Lynn's zealous advocacy tempered with heavy doses of his unique wit and warmth. He was tireless in his work for the less fortunate members of society and he had a smile and friendly word for everyone. I am thankful for his help and advice throughout the years. We will all miss him.
Beverly Musser
November 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the entire Sanders family. May you find peace and consolation in the memories.
November 13, 2014
Jay, Fred, Liz and your families -
I am very sorry for your loss. My only brother passed away last year. I know it leaves a hole in one's world unlike any other.
My sincerest condolences,
- Debbie Kahn Cunningham
Regina Rogoff
November 13, 2014
Please accept my condolences. Lynn was such a warm hearted caring person. He was a true mensch and his passing is a great loss to all who knew him.
Juli and Roll Fellows
November 12, 2014
Deborah, Roll and I were so sad to hear of Lynn's death. We are sending heartfelt wishes to you and your family.
Charlie Tabasko
November 12, 2014
I knew Lynn in high school. He was one of the first and strongest voices that I met in the peace and social justice days of the 60's.
Our lives were changed then and forever after.
RIP Lynn, dare to struggle/dare to win....ct
Mark Sims
November 11, 2014
The world will miss Lynn - and we'll all miss his insight, wisdom, wit, and cheerful demeanor. Dios te bendiga, mi amigo.
Laurie Pederson
November 11, 2014
My heart goes out to you and your family Deborah. I know he will be greatly missed. Know that he is forever in your hearts and his spirit will always be with you.
Del Garcia
November 11, 2014
Lynn's voice is the one rattling around in my head at Passover when we sing "Go down Moses". Sorry that I will not have a chance to hear him sing it again. Sending thoughts of loving support to Deborah and their children
November 11, 2014
Lynn was a good advocate, while always keeping things in perspective. He could make me laugh when things weren't funny. My best to his family.
Jeana Lungwitz
William Apt
November 11, 2014
Lynn was a noble human being. And a joy. He is greatly missed.
November 11, 2014
Lynn was very helpful to me when I was starting as a new lawyer. I will also remember Lynn as a lawyer that went out of his way to help folks that could not easily afford legal services. Very fond memories of him.
Tim Whitten
Carla Andrews
November 10, 2014
Lynn was a great boss and a good man to my daughters. He came to their graduation celebrations and weddings. He was a funny man and I loved to hear him laugh. He had a rich voice that someone described as "whiskey enriched". He had a kind and loving heart but he would not put up with any guff. Lynn was a good, kind man and he'll be missed by his friends and family. Sending love and light to Deborah and the kids.
kathy stark
November 10, 2014
Lynn was a true friend to Tenants in the city of Austin he could always be counted on to help,answer questions and assist tenants in court .Lynn was a long time friend of the Austin Tenants Council always willing to help and support the work we do he will be missed
Kathy Stark
Executive Directr
Austin Tenants Council
November 10, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. He and I had clients who had disagreements but Lynn was never disagreeable. He was someone you could talk to and try to resolve differences in a way that made the situation better. I liked his sense of humor and I believe he genuinely cared for his clients. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Larry Morgan
Steve Musil
November 10, 2014
I am greatly saddened to hear of Lynn's passing. We endured law school together so many years ago. It was always wonderful to work on cases when he was on the other side. Such a wise and caring soul, so calming to distressed people. Lynn cared so much about others. He will be so hugely missed. It was a true blessing to be his friend.
Win Harbison
November 10, 2014
Lynn was on the Front Steps' board for a number of years. He was really one of the good guys when it came to helping the homeless in Austin. Those of us who worked with him will miss him and his heart for those whom he served.
Carol Kelly
November 10, 2014
I loved that guy. He was always such a calming force as a fellow parent. I will always be grateful for our neighborhood walks and his sage advice about raising boys. He was a good friend and a great dad. Sending love and light to Deborah, Jono, Dana and Jess.
Alan and Tamera Aden
November 10, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with Lynn and the family,with love.
November 9, 2014
I can't begin to tell you how much I love Lynn. He's on my speed-dial. I knew and loved him as a consumer lawyer and later as a cyclist. Only later did i learn of his magnificent childhood. Godspeed, Lynn. And thank you.
November 9, 2014
What a wonderful and happy man Lynn was. Our hearts and prayers with you all.
Cecil Caperton
November 9, 2014
No one who ever met Lynn will ever forget him. He was a truly special person who we were blessed to have on this earth. My condolences to Lynn's family and friends.
Dewy Brooks
November 9, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to the family.
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