Paul Gordon Sanders

Cherished and Beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, and Friend, PAUL GORDON SANDERS, aged 60, went Home to be with his lifelong Savior in Heaven on Friday, May 29th, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Born October 29th, 1954 in Sheridan, Michigan to Joyce and Gordon Sanders, Paul attended several colleges, graduating from Grand Valley State University, MI with a teaching degree in 1978, marrying his best friend, Barb Lloyd Sanders on August 18th, 1979.Paul's passion and love for children, and teaching them about God in very creative, fun ways led him to work at Camp Barakel, Fairview, MI as a teen, and later, after teaching 4th Grade in Southfield, MI for three years, was Assistant Director at the same camp. He served as Human Resource Director for two years in the start-up of a 700 pharmacy chain store in Novi, MI, which broadened his experience in recruiting, training and coaching hundreds of volunteers over his lifetime. For over 28 years, Paul served as a much-loved Family and Children Pastor at East Lansing Trinity Church, MI, Westbrook Church, Hartland, WI, and Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church in Winona, MN. His work career ended with five months at ORC [Occupational Rehabilitation Center, Winona, MN] as Director of Community Relations before being re-diagnosed in November 2014 with Metastatic Colon Cancer.An avid photographer, biker and hiker, Paul thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. Famous for recycling "curb treasures", Paul appreciated a good garage sale and trolling Craigslist, often providing bikes and more to needy families in the area. Paul was a gifted puppeteer, musician, and storyteller, having written many stories for children to illustrate Biblical principles. He volunteered at Grace Place and help to facilitate a Kid's Club with college students at Belleview Apartments in Winona, MN for two years. Paul loved people of all ages.Preceded in death by his father, Paul is survived by his wife, Barb Sanders, Winona, MN; Children: Megan [Jordan] Prindle, Chad [Erica] Sanders, and Ryan [Jessica] Sanders , and Grandchildren: Vivian, Max, Finley, & Norah Prindle; Caleb Sanders, and Josiah, Elias, & Molly Sanders; Mother, Joyce Sanders and Sisters, Jackie [Gary] Sinclair, and MaraLee [Rick] Olson and their families.Paul's Memorial Service will be held at 11am, Saturday, June 6th, 2015 at Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Joe McConkey officiating. A future Memorial Service will be held at Westbrook Church in Hartland, WI with Pastor Amy Thompson officiating.The family requests that any memorials honoring Paul's life be given to Prison Fellowship to support, the children of prisoners by sending them to summer camp, giving hope and joy! [Angel Tree Kids, Summer Camp: Prison Fellowship, P O Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116-1550 or prisonfellowship.org/jubilee or call 877-478-0100]