Donald R. Saunders

Asheville ~ Don Saunders, 70, of Asheville, died Thursday, March 25, 2004 in a local hospital. A native of Grand Forks, ND, Don was a son of the late Russell Saunders and the late Floy Keefer. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Gary Saunders of Champlin, MN. Don had lived in Asheville for eleven years and retired as a mechanical engineer from Champion International Paper Company. Don exhibited in his daily life, regardless of the circumstances, a strong faith and complete trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. He was a man of principle and integrity who was a source of inspiration and stability for his family of whom he was very proud. Don was always eager to make a new friend and to be a friend. Don will be missed greatly. Survivors include his wife, Colleen McCreary Saunders; four children, Mark Saunders of Warren, MN, Suzanne Wakefield of Youngsville, NC, Todd Saunders and Heather Lee, both of Asheville; one brother, Cameron Saunders of Grand Rapids, MN; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Pastor Mike Angell officiating. Interment will be immediately follow in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.