Gary Thomas "Pa" Sanders, beloved husband of 65 years and reunited at death to Beverly Sanders, passed away on Jan. 14, 2021, after suffering from cardiac arrest while traveling to his residence in San Diego with close friends, Rick and Karen Allison.

Born in Denver on Dec. 21, 1933, Sanders attended Lakewood High School and Colorado A&M University (CSU), where he played basketball and football, graduating in 1957. He married Bev on New Year's Eve 1953.

As the owner and CEO of George T. Sanders Company (GTS), Sanders first walked through the doors of his long successful career on June 11, 1962.  During his 58 years working for the company he loved, he led GTS with his strength, wit, compassion, and kindness. He loved his employees, and they loved him. The company is currently celebrating its 70th year in business, as he is succeeded in business by his grandsons Kyle, Reed, and Danny; his legacy continues. 

As an active traveler, Sanders was an outdoorsman and avid Denver Broncos fan. He traveled the world with his beloved wife and spent considerable time at his properties in Basalt, Buford, and San Diego. He was known for his admiration of donkeys and onions. 

Sanders, affectionately known as "Pa," was a loving and often sarcastic father of six; Val, Scott (Jody), Michelle, Matt, Jill White (Rick), Brock (Tammie), and grandfather to eleven whom he dearly loved, befriended and mentored. He leaves behind his sister, Georgia, and grandchildren Danny (Lauren), Reed White (Christine), Maggie (Ted), Kyle (Kelsey), Sean (Quinn), Jake Loveless (Tierney), Kelly (Hannah), Avery (Grant), Henry, Cooper (Lilyanna), and great-grandchildren Brielle, Jackson, Brecken, and Hudson.

Sanders was reunited in death with his first grandchild, Ryan, his mother and father, George and Pauline, and his brother Norm and sister Muz. He is also reuniting with his best friends (dogs) Mac, Lily, Sam, Rocky, Henry, and Sasha. He leaves behind so many close friends, family and loved ones.

He was the strongest of men, and he was ready to meet his loved ones in the afterlife. He was the best, and he will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.