HK Tobe Saunders, 88, Pullman resident Tobe Saunders passed away peacefully at his home in Kennewick Washington on Saturday, April 5, 2008. Tobe was surrounded by close friends along with his daughter Suzi and son in law Jay. Tobe was born in Spokane, Washington on May 23, 1919, to George and Stella Saunders. In 1937, Tobe graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. In 1941, Tobe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State College. now WSU For the next two years, Tobe served as the assistant to the graduate manager in charge of student activities and athletics at Washington State College. Tobe married Ida Sue Hewes on Aug. 22, 1942, in Quantico, Va. Tobe and Sue lived in Pullman all of their lives until Sue's passing in December of 2002, when Tobe moved to Kennewick with daughter Suzi. Although Tobe spent over five years in Kennewick, in his heart his home would always be Pullman. Tobe served in both the Marine Corps Reserve and the Army from 1942 to 1944. Tobe was a member of the Pullman Presbyterian Church, a 50 year member of both Pullman Chapter 31 Royal Arch Masons, and Whitman Lodge #49. On May 12th he would have been a 50 year Member Colfax Commandry #15 Knights Templar, and in September would have been 50 year member of El Katif Shrine Temple, Spokane. For a number of years Tobe rode a motor scooter in the Whitman County Shrine Motor Patrol. Tobe and Sue were active Cougar Club supporters, traveling to many Cougar games and were WSU Alumni lifetime members Tobe and Sue owned and operated Saunders Floor Covering until 1990, as well as the purchase of Cougar World Travel in 1988. They vacationed at Priest Lake every year for over 40 years. Tobe and Sue traveled frequently to Hawaii and Fairmont Hot Springs in Canada, as well as to Rome, China, Acapulco and the Panama Canal. After Tobe moved to Kennewick he was very active with his friends at the Kennewick Senior Center. Tobe was a regular visitor to many pie and ice cream socials, and root beer float parties. Tobe went on a wine tour and a tour of the LIGO Hanford Observatory. Tobe attended the Cathedral of Joy church in Richland and participated in the Senior Sunday school. Tobe enjoyed his first limousine ride courtesy of the church. Tobe loved to see the Living Nativity at the Cathedral of Joy, which is a fabulous Christmas production that is in an outside setting with live camels, sheep and the thundering horsemen. Dad described the event as "magnificent". Everyone who knew Tobe quickly found that his favorite place was Hawaii. We had the pleasure of making his dream come true by taking him on his 23rd trip to Hawaii in August of 2005. Suzi, Jay, Jay's mother Betty and granddaughter Rebecca had the privilege of going with him. We spent nine days traveling with Tobe to Oahu where we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl National Cemetery. In Maui we went to the Ioa Needle, Lahaina, Ka'anapali Beach and Haleakala Crater where he said they sure had improved the road!. Tobe attended numerous luaus and certainly enjoyed the suntans. In May 2007 Tobe had the honor of attending his granddaughter Rebecca's College graduation where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching from WSU Tri-Cities. Tobe was preceded in death by his wife Sue in December of 2002, his brother George Saunders, and sisters Edna Wiscarson, Ruth Riner and Margaret.Franke. Tobe is survived by his sister in law Rosemary Saunders of Puyallup, brother in law Chet Hewes and wife Alda of Spokane, Wa, four children: Suzanne Johnson and Jay Compton of Kennewick, Wa, Rick and Leslie Robison Saunders of St Augustine Fl, Lisa Butterworth and Gary Saunders. Tobe had eleven grandchildren, Scott Johnson and wife Winter, Korey Johnson and wife Kristen, Rebecca Johnson, Roscoe William and Otis Bruno Robison Saunders, Gerry and Megan Butterworth, Adrienne, Olivia, Alex and Keith Saunders. Tobe had one great-granddaughter, Aspyn Kaiann Johnson and two great grandsons, Ryan James and Max Ellery Johnson. Tobe was not only my father, he became my best friend. It was such an honor to be your daughter. From all of us who had the honor of closely sharing the past five years with you: Suzi, Jay, grandchildren Scott, Winter, Korey, Kristen and Rebecca. Great-grandchildren Asypn, Ryan and Max. Family and friends Rozy, Helen and Ken, Sandy, Chet, Alda, Jeannie, Arnold, Betty, Jim, Paul, Lewis, Mike, Tom, Terry, Dean, Joyce, Glenna, Rudy, Bill and Julie. Our caregivers that became family: Monique, Opal, Maria, Crystal and Patty. We have enjoyed your sense of humor, laughter, jokes and smiles. We will always cherish the wonderful times and memories that we have had the privilege to share with you. To the outstanding care provided by Dr Pillai and the extraordinary compassion, insight and advice of Dr Jim Newman. Kennewick General Hospital ER staff, especially Janet and Heidi. All of the Medical Surgical nurses and CNA's especially Kim and Maria that came to know dad so personally and care for him with such attentiveness, thank you will never be enough. A Celebration of Tobe's life will be held at the Ridge Point Clubhouse, Fancy Free Drive Pullman, Washington on Saturday May 3, 2008 from 1:00 to 4:00. Tobe was a one of a kind. He spent his life giving a wonderful home to his wife and four adopted children. Tobe helped scores of other children through his commitment to the Shiners. In keeping with Tobes' incredible generosity and selflessness, in lieu of flowers, we request memorial gifts and donations be made in Tobes name to the Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children, PO Box 2472 Spokane WA 99210.