Thomas was a great friend - I first met him not too long after 3 mile, down in the Carolinas, think it was Oconee. HP's were even more of a small brotherhood then, and then, as now, we would catch up with friends vicariously when we pulled into a new power plant. Often I would get from people, "Really, you were there? Who else was there? Oh, yeah, Tom Saunders! Man what a great guy!". At Diablo, early '80's his son was born and had open heart surgery, and Tom went through much, but most wouldn't know it because he was still so genuine and kind, and everyone's friend.
I talked him into coming to Battelle in '91, because I wanted my friends, him more than most - nearby. Another friend at Fernald told me that to even walk 50 yards with Thomas could take 20 minutes due to the shear volume of people who would insist talking with him. I met more people when I was with Tom for a day than I would in a year by myself.
The last few years I watched as he grew more spiritual; it started with his faith, then his heart followed, and soon he was applying his tremendous will toward the struggle all good men endure. With his natural charm he was a tremendous witness to myself and others.
I have shed tears, but not for a life unfullfilled, I believe his was a very full life, but for his family, his nuclear family, and myself, who will be deprived for a short while of his presence.
Dave Gill
Colorado