Dr. George Saunders

Saunders, George Mason D.D.S. BOLTON LANDING Dr. George Mason Saunders, 78, of Bolton Landing and formerly of Albany, passed gently away on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, in Glens Falls Hospital. Known to family and friends as "Mase," "Doc" and "Skipper," he died after a long and brave battle with cancer. Mase now joins his beloved wife of 51 years, Ines Billwiller "Billie" Saunders (2003); his sister, Cornelia Saunders Mason (2006); his father, Frank H. Saunders (1955); his mother, Cornelia (Wallace) Saunders (1954); and his brother, Frank Wallace "Wally" Saunders (1937). He was born and lived most of his life in Albany. Mase attended the Albany Academy, class of 1947, to which he happily returned over the years for reunions with his many friends. Four years later he graduated from Norwich University, Vt., and went on to earn his doctor of dental surgery degree from Columbia University in New York City. Doc Saunders' career began with a tour as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska. Moving back to Albany with his young family, he worked many long, hard hours to establish his own dental practice, which he proudly maintained until he retired with Billie to Bolton Landing in 1990. Many patients continued to keep in touch with Doc and looked forward to his annual Groundhog Day card, which he personally designed each year as a celebration of spring and friendship. Mase had a lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors, swimming, boating, hunting and fishing. From his earliest boyhood, Lake George was his favorite place in the world. He was happiest when out on the lake pursuing his other passion, steam boating. In 1972 he launched and became the skipper of his first wood-fired steamboat, the S.L. Pamelaine. He named the vessel after his "three girls," daughters Pamela and Elaine, and his wife's nickname Iné. Then, in 1987, he christened a larger steamboat design with the same name. Throughout the years he continued to enjoy the process of tinkering with his craft, joining other enthusiasts at steamboat meets, and just steaming along slowly and peacefully on the lake. He was one of the founders of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. While in Albany, he became a member of the fraternal order of Masons. Mase is survived by his two beloved daughters, Elaine "Lainie" Angel and husband Mitch of Bolton Landing and Pamela J. Kirsch and husband Dan of Virginia Beach, Va.; his special granddaughter, Alison Harper Kirsch, who loved him as Gampa, also of Virginia Beach, Va.; caring nephews, Appleton "Tony" A. Mason M.D., and wife Caroline of Glenmont and Saunders "Sandy" Mason and wife Mary of Driggs, Idaho; and extended family and dear friends who will always cherish his love, laughter and legacy of savoring the simple joys of life. At Mase's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family at a later date in Bolton Landing. Memorial contributions, in memory of Dr. Saunders, may be made to the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1365, Bolton Landing, NY 12814. Condolences may be e-mailed to www.bakerfuneralhome.com or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.