David Richard Saunders ’53

David, an emeritus professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine who was voted by his students as "Teacher Superior in Perpetuity," died of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Jan. 22, 2008, at his home in Lake Forest Park, Wash.

Canadian by birth, he graduated from Montreal High School and majored in chemistry at Princeton, where he fenced, was on the Nassau Lit staff, and worked with the Schools and Scholarship Committee of Orange Key. He took his meals at Quadrangle and roomed senior year with Ron Cape, Henry Onken, and Bob Slighton.

After medical school at McGill University, he married Donna Dodds, a graduate of the Royal Victoria School of Nursing.

His distinguished medical career at the University of Washington began in 1964 as a fellow in the gastroenterology division. Later he became its chief, a title he held until 1995. David is remembered by those whom he taught as an "eloquent mentor." Donna spoke of David's quick wit and how he relished a good pun, as do his sons John, Richard, Michael, and Brian. David also was a classical pianist, spoke fluent French, and quoted Shakespeare flawlessly. Outdoors, he enjoyed canoeing, backcountry hiking, and bird watching. Our sincere sympathy goes to our multitalented classmate's family.