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FUNERAL HOME

Shrine of Remembrance

1730 East Fountain Blvd.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Dan Saunders Obituary

Dan Saunders, age 60, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1983 and formerly of San Luis Obispo, California died suddenly on Monday, August 23, 2010 in eastern El Paso County as a result of a plane crash. He was a retired computer engineer who was, during his retirement, a flight instructor and computer consultant. Daniel Randolph Saunders was born on December 29, 1949 in Los Angeles, California to Robert W. and Barbara R. (Skeen) Saunders. He was a 1967 graduate of Kearny High School, San Diego, and Cal Poly University, San Luis Obisbo. He had been a skilled fixed-wing and rotary aircraft pilot for over 45 years. He received his Masters Degree from Colorado Technical University. Additionally Dan was certified to fly helicopters, prop and jet engine planes, and captain both sailing and motorized ships. Dan married Vara Gail Malcolm on September 19, 1981 in San Luis Obispo. He was a member of the El Paso County Search and Rescue Team, a certified rescue scuba diver, and had been a scout master for Boy Scout Troop No. 287. He was a member of the aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Dan seemingly could do anything and everything, and he enjoyed using all of his skills to help and teach others. He enjoyed sailing, camping, backpacking, hiking, scuba diving, and working on complex building projects. He will be best remembered for his love of family, adventure and his unselfish, helpful nature. He is survived by his loving wife, Vara of Colorado Springs; his sons: Mark Saunders (age 28, wife, Stephanie) of Fort Collins, Colorado and Luke Saunders (age 22) of Dillon, Colorado. He is also survived by his parents: Robert and Barbara Saunders of Lake Havasu, Arizona; his brother: Andrew Saunders (wife, Sharon) of Briarcliff Manor, New York; and his sister: Pam Saunders of Whitefish, Montana. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at the Shrine of Remembrance â€œAmerica the Beautifulâ€� Chapel. A reception will follow the services at the Saunders' home, 1020 Point of the Pines Dr. 80919. Memorials in Dan's name may be made to the El Paso County Search and Rescue, 3950 Interpark Drive, 80907 http://www.epcsar.org/contribute.aspx

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Aug. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Saunders

37 Entries

Judy Russell

September 5, 2010

Dear Vara and Family -
I feel privileged to have known Dan in the years at Digital and at the Rescue Runs. His interests and enthusiasm seemed boundless. I am so sorry for your loss.

Becky Montgomery

September 1, 2010

Dear Saunders Family - please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss of Dan. The tributes posted say so much about the contribution and impact Dan had on so many lives.

Michele's Cle Elum Family - Ron and Becky Montgomery

August 31, 2010

Vara, Luke and Mark
that was the most moving and beautiful memorial on Saturday, I could feel Dan all though out the ceremony. I hope it brought you all some comfort in these sad times
Love,
Mercedes Jim and Ben Harden

August 31, 2010

Vara, Mark, and Luke: So very sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. -Karin Alvarez (Pamperin)

David Smith

August 30, 2010

Vara, I am very sorry to hear about the accident. I know Dan loved Flying and enjoyed it for many years. I knew you and Dan from the Digital/Compaq/HP days and he will be very much missed.

Andria Houghton

August 30, 2010

Vara,

Dan was one of the smartest, kindest, most decent men I have ever met. I remember he came to visit me in the hospital and brought a backgammon game. He was so kind to let me win a few rounds. You are in my thoughts.
-Andria (Frost) Houghton

Gene Ridge

August 30, 2010

Vara - So sorry to hear of your loss!. Dan was a great person to deal with at DEC/Compaq. He was doing what he loved !. God Bless,

Dan with leadership team at 2006 Troop 287 Hut Trip

Phil Glynn

August 29, 2010

Dan will be greatly missed. I really enjoyed the times we were camping with the Scouts. We all know his passion for flying. He wanted to teach me to fly, I regret now not taking him up on that offer soon enough. This will not stop me from trying, frankly it might speed up that process. He was great in the outdoors and his involvement with search and rescue was a big part of his life, he enjoyed helping others and teaching along the way. I'll remember Dan as a technical cowboy, very good in engineering and mechanics with a love for life in the west and the outdoors. I'm going to miss cowboy Dan.

August 29, 2010

Vara,

I was saddened to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nicole Wing

Alex Timberlake

August 29, 2010

I was shocked to hear about Mr. Saunders' passing. It saddens me that such a good man was taken so soon. His leadership and cheerful personality helped make scouting an educational and enjoyable experience for me and many others. I am thankful for having had him as a Scout Master.

Alex Timberlake
Troop 287

Dr Ron

August 28, 2010

Saunders Family,
I think it has been less than a year that I had known Dan but in that year I had spent a lot of time with him and really got to know him. It feels that I had known him for many years. He has given me so many great memories that will last forever. Every time a saw him he was Always in good spirits, energetic and ready to tackle anything that came his way. Although his life on earth was shortened, he lived it to the fullest with probably very few if any regrets. I will miss him deeply. My condolences to you all.

Heather Atencio-Zambrano

August 28, 2010

Vara,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength within to help guide you on your journey.

Heather Atencio

August 28, 2010

Hi Vara, You don't know me, My name is Aaron Palacios,cousin to Anna Willis (Palacios). I learned of Dans Sudden passing from Anna on our facebook page.Anna was able to discribe Dan in such a beautiful way that i felt compelled to just give our condolences from My family to yours. After all, Any friend of Anna's is a friend of mine. God bless You and your family and know you have friends in Austin Texas.
Aaron

Dick Timberlake

August 27, 2010

Vara and family,

We were shocked and saddened to learn about Dan. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.

I've known Dan for quite a long time - back to the days when we worked on the same team at Digital in the 1990s. And, of course, Dan was the first scoutmaster for our boys in Troop 287.

Dan was a great guy and a real leader. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dick & Elecia

Flo & Mike Hauptmann

August 27, 2010

Vara, Mark & Luke,
We were so sad to read that Dan was lost in that plane crash. We cherish the memories of scouting with him in 287. He was a great mentor to our son's Dave & Matt and a kind and generous person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rebecca Pittman

August 27, 2010

Dan,
Thank you for filling my work days with laughter and intriguing tales of your adventures. Your smile was always in place. When I think of my days at Academy Dental, you were always part of the amazing people there.
You are missed and the amount of people mourning your loss is a huge testament to how you touched lives everyday.

Rebecca, your tall friend

Toney Braswell

August 27, 2010

I have known Dan for a short time. He always took the time to help us, when we needed help. For that short time I knew him, he was a special person. I will miss Dan and his caring ways. God will always connect you, no matter how short of time, give God the glory for Dan.

August 27, 2010

Vara,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Dan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Steve Ray

August 27, 2010

Vara,
I'm sadden by your loss. My pray is that the Lord will comfort you and your family during this time. Dee Smith

August 27, 2010

Vara,
I was very sad to hear about Dan. My thoughts and prayers are with you, may God comfort your family at this difficult time. Diane Casady

Tracy Nichols

August 27, 2010

Dear Vara, I'm praying for you and your family through this very stormy, shocking, and heartbreaking time! I remember you sharing your joy and pride in your husband on our Windom Peak climb last month. He must have had a beautiful, adventurous spirit! Sincerely, Tracy Nichols

August 27, 2010

Dear Vara: Lorie and I are mourning your loss. We enjoyed Dan's and your company at Rich and Jeanne's place a couple of years ago. Our prayers are with you, the kids and all your family. - paul&lorie-Honolulu

August 26, 2010

Hey Dan,

I have so many fond memories... wish I could have joined ya on one of your winter hut trips. Thanks for all your great stories!

My condolences to your loving family.

Tim Nagle

Anna Willis

August 26, 2010

Vara,
I am so sorry to hear about Dan. He worked with me at Academy Kids Dental and Orthodontics and was so sweet and helpful. There was never anything he couldn't do. He even bar-b-qued for us and now our bar-b-ques will not be the same. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Academy Kids. God Bless You and your Family.
Love, Anna Willis and Staff at Academy Kids Dental and Orthodontics.

Mark Sullivan

August 26, 2010

Vara and family:
I was sorry to read about the tragic death of your husband. May the memories of him be bright and fun filled.

August 26, 2010

Vara and family you are in our prayers. Skee and Ginger Hipszky, Colorado Springs

Janelle Bryarly

August 26, 2010

Vara & Family,

I am sorry for your lose, and I am keeping your family in my prayers.

August 26, 2010

Dear Vara and family -- I am so sorry to hear about Dan. I remember when we all worked at Digital together. May God heal your hearts and bring you comfort during this time. Much love, Leslie Marafine

Holly Yakel

August 26, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ava Fuqua

August 26, 2010

Such a terrible loss. Since 1987 Dan has been a faithful platelet donor and has saved so many lives. Dan was such a pleasure to chat with and he will be greatly missed.
The Blood Donor Center - Memorial Health System

August 26, 2010

Vara,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill, Kathi and Alex

Dennis McLaughlin

August 26, 2010

Vara, Mark ands Luke - our condolences to you. Having known Dan for about 10 years, we found him to be and outstanding person who was always willing to share his knowldge and considerable talents. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Dennis and Jode McLaughlin

August 26, 2010

Dan was the greatest scoutmaster ever, Jim loved working with him and so did Ben, Dan was the most magnificent man. He will be remembered by so many people whose lives he changed
love from the Hardens, Jim Ben and Mercedes

Karen Derby

August 26, 2010

Sorry about Dan. My stepfather--Jerry Gordon and my son--Daniel Derby new him. This whole thing is a shock. My thought to the family.

August 26, 2010

Vara and Luke and Mark,
Our family loved Dan so much, he was the greatest scout master ever. Jim so enjoyed working with him and so did Ben. he was a manificent man in every way. What a loss for you and your family. He will be remembered by many many people whose lives he changed.
Love from the Harden, Jim, Ben and Mercedes

August 26, 2010

Vara and family,

Our heart felt condolences to you all. Dan was a great help to me when I first started working with him at Digital Equipment in the mid 80's. I will always be thankful that I knew him.

Scott Keane and family

August 26, 2010

We are saddened to hear of Dan's tragic accident. We have many fond memories from the 10 or so years that we worked with him at DEC. Our thoughts are with his family.
- Bryan and Anna Alvey

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