Theodore (Ted) John Saunders

Theodore (Ted) John Saunders, 74, died peacefully in his sleep on May 30th, 2017 at 1:55pm at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, WA.

He had a 7-year battle with multiple myeloma, a very painful form of cancer. We were very blessed by all the medical staff we encountered along his journey who helped in so many ways. But cancer was just the last in a series of battles he endured through his life. He endured severe hearing loss at age five. He had to train his brain to deal with sounds in ways that are automatic for most people, and crowded settings were extremely challenging.

He grew up on a farm in Montana where he learned the importance of hard work. His hearing impairment did not stop him from working hard through college or achieving a long-time career with the Washington State Highway of Transportation as a Civil Engineer. He tested his comfort zone when he joined Toastmasters and it developed into another way for him to communicate with others. He excelled and was awarded the Distinguished Toastmasters award (DTM) by the Toastmasters International for his excellent/thoughtful speeches and his consistent work with the members. He also became more prominent in initiating, moderating, and participating in various bible forums/reading groups online. He proved to be a very patient and encouraging help to those communities.

In part because of his hearing loss he was less social than most, but he managed to find his perfect match in his wife of 47 years Joanne Saunders. Her outgoing personality complemented his less outgoing personality in a way that reached people. They continued to uplift and inspire others.

We are thankful for his second family, the awesome employees of Valley Medical Center. He and my mom where there for one reason or another almost daily until she passed away. Everyone knew them because the light of God’s love they emitted.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Joanne Saunders, his parents, John and Theresa Saunders, and sister Betty Saunders.

He is survived by his eldest daughter nan Saunders and fiancé Titus Mutuma Ringera, his daughter Katey Welch and adored grandsons Christopher Saunders and Justin Welch. He is also survived by his brother Don and sister-in-law Vivianne Saunders. His brother Roger, wife Sheryle and their children Kathryn and Nathan Saunders.

We take comfort in all of the lives that Ted touched and his devotion to God and his service to others. Ted played an important part of his grandsons’ development into caring thoughtful adults themselves.

A private graveside burial will take place at Hillside Burial Park in Kent Washington on June 12th.

A celebration of life reception will be held on June 12, 2017 from 5 -8 pm at:

2908 South 216th St Des Moines WA 98198

Please RSVP to Katey Welch via Facebook if you plan to attend.