Gary W. Saunders

Waterford - Gary W. Saunders, 63, of Waterford, beloved son, husband, father, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011.

Born April 29, 1947, to Rita (Schacht) and Colonel Bo Saunders in Brooklyn, N.Y., Gary moved to Waterford where his family operated Waterford Country School, a private school and summer camp for special needs children. He graduated Waterford High School in 1965.

Gary is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dolores "Lorri" and their daughter, Casey.

Amazed as a very young child while watching a plane appear as if out of nowhere to land in the fog, Gary found his passion in aviation. He would have a successful career doing just what he loved - flying planes, selling planes, teaching flying, and being around all things aeronautic.

He received his associate's degree in aerospace pilot technology at Manatee Jr. College in Bradenton, Fla., and went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in environmental science from Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, N.H. While in college, Gary worked in the aviation department at Nathaniel Hawthorne College as a flight and ground instructor. Upon graduation, he was offered a position as a flight instructor at New Haven Airways. While there he developed a night ground school, which he grew into a four-year aviation degree program at the University of New Haven. He also began to sell airplanes under the tutelage of his mentor, Dick Giusto.

In 1976, Gary founded Coastal Air Services at the Groton New London Airport. Coastal grew from a single location FBO to a five-location regional charter operator, FBO, and aircraft sales business. During this time Gary became affectionately known throughout the aviation industry as "Mr. Six" because of his affinity for Piper PA 32 Cherokee Six aircraft. As an airline transport pilot (ATP) and flight instructor he logged over 8,500 flight hours. In 1993, he sold Coastal Air Services and went to work at Columbia Aircraft Sales. During his 13 years there, Columbia became one of the foremost Piper distributorships in the world.

After this tenure he ventured out on his own again to open Saunders Aircraft Sales, LLC, located in the Lanmar Aviation FBO facility at Groton. In mid-2007, his long time friend and associate, Gordon Ramsay, joined him. Gary was a member of The Quiet Birdmen, a pilots club founded in 1921.

Gary was larger than life with a heart and passions to match. In addition to his love for aviation, he was devoted to the Waterford Country School and the family's legacy as its founders. For more than a decade, he served on the school's board of trustees on both the finance and development committees, as well as chairperson of the nominating committee. During that time he was instrumental in raising the profile of the school, and growing the organization's annual signature fundraiser Kabaret for Kids. Gary truly embraced the school's philosophy that "Everybody is Somebody."

An avid golfer, Gary could be found enjoying the links at Elmridge Golf Club when he wasn't enjoying the salt air on his family's powerboat or restoring antique automobiles. His zest for life spilled over into a generous spirit. Gary was a great friend to many; always ready to lend a hand, a power tool, or his varied expertise. He made time for those he cared about without a second thought. The brightest light in Gary's life was their daughter, Casey, of whom he was so very proud. He was especially proud of her acceptance and attendance at Marist College.

But as much as Gary loved his planes and his hobbies, his undeniable and extraordinary passion was for the love of his life and wife of 36 years, Lorri, who he met while in college in Florida. In his all-to-short life, Gary, together with Lorri by his side, packed many lifetimes of events and memories filled with a cornucopia of friends and family. They graciously created wonderful memories for many.

In addition to his wife, Lorri and daughter, Casey, Gary is survived by his brother, Bruce Saunders and his wife, Kathy, of Bangor, Maine; mother- and father-in-law, Elizabeth and George Brown of Florida, who he loved dearly; brother-in-law, Douglas Brown and his wife, Janice, of Georgia, brother-in-law, Steven Brown and his wife, Dory, of Georgia; aunt and uncle, Emily and Herbert Schacht of Waterford; five nephews, two nieces, and several cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at the Port & Starboard at Ocean Beach Park, New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterford Country School, 78 Hunts Brook Road, PO Box 408, Quaker Hill CT 06375, http://www.waterfordcountryschool.org/