LIMESTONE, Maine – It is will deep sorrow that I share in the passing of my soulmate. Rodney D. Saunders, 75, husband of Dorothy (Plourde) Saunders, passed away peacefully after a long illness on October 27, 2017, with his wife by his side. He was born July 22, 1942, at home in Caribou to Reuben and Anna (Paradis) Saunders.
Rodney and Dottie began their journey together on Feb. 28, 1980, and they were married on July 14, 1984, at the American Legion in Caribou with a record crowd that “Rocked Sweden Street”. Rodney was educated in the Caribou school system. At a very young age he left school and began working. At the age of 25, he was called to duty to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He took this job very seriously and gave it 110 percent. Rodney served in the US Army, 101st Airborne Division Company B 91st Engineering Battalion as a combat engineer. He served from 1967-1969 and attained the rank of SP4. He did his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and was then sent to Phan-Thiet, Vietnam. During his year in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with four Stars, Code of Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Republican of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class Citation, Combat Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Medal, Presidential Unit Medal, Marksman (rifle) and Marksman (M-16). He was an extremely proud yet humble Vietnam Veteran!! His service to his country was his greatest accomplishment next to his only son.
When Rodney returned from the service, he returned to the work force. He was a civil servant at Loring A.F.B. serving in various assignments around the base for several years. He was a carpenter/roofer by trade and worked all over the country in many aspects of the construction field. He also worked for many local farmers planting, harvesting, and shipping potatoes. He was an active member of the Caribou VFW Post 9389 until his illness no longer allowed it. He still enjoyed going there every morning to drink coffee, play cards, and socialize with his comrades. He was also a former member of the American Legion Henry B. Pratt Post of Caribou, the Caribou Grizzlies of the 1980’s, and the “Thursday Morning Group” (you know who you are).
Rodney was a passionate outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. His favorite pastimes were watching the Boston Celtics and John Wayne, playing cards, rolling dice, dancing, long rides down dirt roads, and he especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Rodney will be remembered as being a very kind and gentle soul who would lend a hand to anyone in need and pass judgment on no one!!
Rodney is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Dottie, his greatly “cherished” and only son, Rodney D. Saunders II “Chip”, the absolute apple of his eye, his beautiful granddaughter, Ella Jane Saunders… who could ALWAYS make him smile. He is also survived by two brothers, Ransford and his wife Corry Saunders and Daryl Saunders both of Caribou, four sisters-in-law; Barbara Saunders of Westfield, MA, Susan Saunders of Rochester, NY, Obeline Morrell and Beatrice and her husband, Gilman Caron both of Caribou and many nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention, a very special niece/God-daughter Ginger Balicki of Blanford, MA, and a very special nephew, Danny, and his wife, Linda McLaughlin, of Caribou. Rodney also leaves behind special friends, Bob and Pam Miller of Naugatuck, CT, his surrogate wives, Gay Fieg of Ligonier, PA (Rod was her Main(e) Man), “Marty” Askinazi of Portland, (her “very best male friend”).He also leaves his friend and caregiver, JoAnna Leavitt of Ft. Fairfield, and many other friends too numerous to mention. You all know who you are!! He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Rueben, three sisters, Margurite and her husband, Phil Nadeau, Helen and her husband, Chinkie McLaughlin, and Carolyn and her husband, Ken Pennock, and a very special sister-in-law, Evelyn Paul. Rodney’s family would like to thank the staff and a very special thank you to the nurses of the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou for their love and very watchful care of Rodney over the past year. He trusted in your care and loved you all very much!! Friends may call at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, from 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ron Rosser officiating. Rodney will be laid to rest at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou at a later date. Friends who wish to contribute in Rodney’s memory may do so through the Maine Veterans Home “Activity Fund”. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
