Memories from Derek Netelenbos

For someone who would not entertain solicitations for charity over the phone, Dr. Saunders was one of the most generous people I ever had the pleasure to know. As others have written, it is very difficult to articulate the magic that was created at the Saunders’ home as we were growing up and I consider myself very privileged to have been part of it all.

As a father of four now, I can truly appreciate how gracious and patient Dr. and Mrs. Saunders were with all of the chaos created at their home, especially during times that would normally be reserved for immediate family – meals, family outings, weekends and the like.

I have so many great memories of my childhood with the Saunders Family but the ones that come immediately to mind that specifically include Dr. Saunders are…

- My first hike to the Mount Rainier region with Boz, his Dad and the mystery girls from England; who were they? I recall Jay had a crush on one or maybe both of them. I hope to return with my kids.

- My first, and hopefully only, upper GI. I hope never to return by myself or with my kids.

- Dr. Saunders loading the dishwasher after dinner. I’m not sure if this occurred every night, but it made enough of an impact on me that I assumed it did…and rightfully so because Mrs. Saunders’ gourmet meals were worth that and more.

- Dr. Saunders tending to an ingrown toe nail I had as a kid by shimming some tissue under the nail with the care and diligence as if he were giving me that damn upper GI.

- His bicycle commute. Yes he rode a bike to the UW and was ahead of his time in doing so, but the bike he rode was also ahead of its time…the predecessor to the modern-day mountain bike; a modified ten/twelve speed with straight handles bars.

- Safety. If the AAA ever needed a spokesperson, Dr. Saunders was the person for the job. Five-point harnesses, 36” rearview mirrors and backup warning signals all in a standard passenger vehicle.

- The fact that he didn’t even raise his voice when Boz “accidently” stabbed Mike in the hand with a pencil. And yes, the lead broke off in Mike’s hand and I had the pleasure of witnessing an impromptu surgery. If he had a temper I would have expected to see it that day.

- His nickname for Brian – B-Bones and the way he would always say it; short “B” and a long extended “Booooones”. Also the fact that he frequently said it randomly or when Boz was upset about something as to almost taunt Brian or at least let him know that whining about a bad Subbuteo call was not worth throwing a fit over.

- His ability to block out the banter and yelling of a dozen boys behind his illuminated reading glass sitting in his comfy chair adjacent to the fire. Maybe he was taking it all in.

I am glad I was able to see Dr. Saunders one last time at Boz’s 40th this past December. Even in his declining health he was quick with several jokes and was keenly interested in receiving an update on my family and me.

Thanks you so much Dr. and Mrs. Saunders for sharing your sons with the “Wayward Boys” and making your home such a welcome place for boys to be boys.

Derek Netelenbos