The Reverend Gary Kay Saunders

The Reverend Gary Kay Saunders passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Three Rivers Community Hospital after an extended illness at home.

Rev. Saunders was born to Warren Monroe Saunders and Nettie Pearl (English) Saunders on April 26, 1933 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Growing up, he attended schools in Twin Falls, Idaho and Portland, Oregon. As a youth he worked on the family farm in Idaho. He enjoyed riding his “Whizzer” motorbike around the countryside. In 1950 he graduated from High School. In 1956 he graduated from Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland. He was a minister of the gospel all his life.

On September 29, 1956 at Navy Yard City Bible Church in Bremerton, Washington he married Nancy Gail McDonald, who survives.

In 1957 he accepted a call as Pastor of Forks Bible Church in Forks, Washington and served there until 1963. After additional schooling he moved his family to Grants Pass, Oregon in 1964. There he was the Pastor of Independent bible Church until 1970. In 1972 he became Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rogue River and ministered there until his retirement in 2008.

In addition to his lifelong service to the church, he was a full time carpenter and handyman. He built and worked on many houses and businesses in the area.

He enjoyed helping people, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and eating soup at Buzz’s Wheel In Caf In Merlin. His quick wit and sense of humor always kept everyone on their toes and well entertained.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail Saunders of Rogue River; two sons, Fred Saunders of Grants Pass and Mikel Saunders and wife Penny of Merlin; a daughter, Patty Breazeale and husband Ron of Rogue River; a sister, Phyllis Saunders of Portland; four grandsons; one granddaughter-in-law; and two great-grandsons.

A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2009 at Hull & Hull Chapel with Pastor Monty Pope officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.