Vincent Delano Saunders

Vincent Saunders, owner of Saunders and Associates of Sebastopol, left this world too soon from complications of endocarditis on December 18, 2009. He battled for his life for several months with perseverance, grace, and dignity. Those who knew Vincent were touched by this rare soul. He shone as bright as the sun. Vincent was passionate about life and loved people. His many interests included the symphony, dancing, cricket, astronomy, history, politics, humor, English poetry, fitness, baseball, basketball and good food. He was a fabulous cook. He spoke Wolof, Spanish and French. Vincent worked in the West County for 32 years as an architect, offering his brilliant mind, patience, stellar smile, keen wit and laughter as well as his kind heart. Born on St. Kitts and Nevis, he was raised in a large, loving family before shipping off to England to study architecture at age 19. He earned his degree from The Polytechnic of North London and received corporate membership in the Royal Institute of British Architects. While in London, Vincent enjoyed cricket, The London Symphony and Wimbledon, and made many friends. He traveled extensively on school breaks. He married his first wife, Glenys, and they had a daughter, Emma. He then worked for the British Government in Gambia, Africa, for many years. Vincent arrived in Northern California in 1979, settling in Freestone with his second wife, Melanie. There he enjoyed backpacking vacations, running, and their many friends in the jazz community. He moved to Sebastopol with his third wife Rebecca, with whom he entered many competitions for Ballroom dancing. After she passed away, he took up Karate and continued to dance. He served on the Board for the Sebastopol Center of the Arts and gave his time freely to many people and causes. For the past seven years Vincent lived in Petaluma and devoted himself to his best friend, soul mate, and fiancée, Ericka LaVigne. They deeply loved each other and their life together, laughing, dancing, traveling, and enjoying the theatre, music, gardening, crossword puzzles, biking, their work and two cats. Vincent is survived by his mother Ruby Hinds; his daughter Emma and grandson Moses; half-brothers and half-sister Delano, Ricky, Lorenzo and Sherroll Walters and their spouses; as well as many auntie's, cousins, nieces, nephews and step-children Meghan and Mason. He was predeceased by his father, Issac Walters, and many beloved relatives and friends. Vincent's friends and family will always miss this beloved man with his heart of gold, lovely voice, beautiful laugh and generous spirit. We love you Vincent! Services will be held in Sebastopol, January 9th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Mortuary, followed by a reception at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts,. For more info call 707 765 2742.