Douglas Wright Saunders

VERNON- Douglas Wright Saunders, 70, former longtime resident of Wilmington, died on May 5.
Mr. Saunders was born on May 17, 1950, in Flushing, New York to Phyllis and David Saunders.  He graduated in 1968 from Orchard Park High School, Orchard Park, NY, where he was fondly nicknamed Gate. After living at the Richmond Richie and the Dewey Dump in Buffalo, NY, he moved to southern Vermont around 1970, which he made his home.  He worked as a chef at many local restaurants and later became a self-employed contractor.  
He had a passion for cooking and loved to cook for and spend time with his family and friends. He was a whiz at identifying the photo of the week in the local newspaper and enjoyed winning the free pizza.  He loved to crack jokes, tell stories, and make people laugh.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, no matter the score. He played guitar, enjoyed boating, and spending many summers at the family cottage on Silver Lake, NY.
He was preceded in death by his mother Phyllis, father David and twin brother Donald Saunders.  He is survived by his brother Charles Saunders (Mary), of Buffalo; Donald’s wife, Margaret Saunders, of Hamburg, NY; daughters Samantha Betit (Brad), of Vernon, and  Laural Colbert (Russell), of Whitingham;  and stepsons James Knapp (Amy) and Ira John Knapp (Michelle), of Wardsboro.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Dale Colbert, Karli Knapp, Marissa, Miranda, and Kaleb Betit, and James Knapp.  He is survived by a loving niece and nephews Max, Justin, Mason, Rory, Douglas, Claire, David, Stephen, and John. He also leaves behind many close friends.
A service will be held at a later date to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Clinic at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, c/o Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.