Arpiar G. Saunders

Arpiar G. Saunders, 90, of Simonds Road, Williamstown and Eastham, died May 29, 2004, at home.
Born in Portsmouth, N.H., on June 1, 1914, he was the son of George Saunders and Marna Krekorian, both of whom immigrated to the United States from Van, Armenia. He was a 1931 graduate of Watertown (Mass.) High School and attended Burdette Business School.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European Theater.
In 1939, Mr. Saunders founded Greylock Photoengraving Co., North Adams, which he sold in 1973 to Excelsior Process and Engraving, a division of the Crane Paper Co. Under his direction, Greylock worked with many national publications, including Yankee and Hi-Fidelity magazines; various educational institutions, including Williams College and the University of Massachusetts; as well as the Clark Art Institute. Prior to 1939, he had been a statistician for the U.S. Attorney General’s Office in Boston and an apprentice photoengraver.
He spent much of his time, talent and energy contributing to the enhancement of his community. A lifelong YMCA member, he served for almost 30 years as a board member for the Northern Berkshire YMCA, including the positions of president, chairman of the physical education committee, and national council representative. He served as a member of the Williamstown Finance Committee and was an incorporator of North Adams Hoosac Savings Bank.
He was a communicant of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, N.Y.
He enjoyed sports cars, attempting to master the stock market, sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, and was an avid photograph. He enjoyed the natural world of Cape Cod Bay. Each day was spent as treasured time with his family, grandchildren and lifelong friends.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, the former Margaret Minoogian; a son, Arpiar G. Saunders Jr. of Hopkinton, N.H.; two daughters, Diane M. Saunders of North Easton and Sandra V. Saunders of Whately; and five grandchildren.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- Private funeral services are under the arrangement of the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, North Adams Burial will be in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Relief Society Eastern United States, Nigol Aghpalian School, and the Mother and Child Clinic Program, 80 Bigelow Ave., Suite 200, Watertown, Mass. 02472.