Obituary: Timothy Saunders, 1973-2025

Timothy Brian Saunders, 52, passed away suddenly at University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vt., on November 18, 2025. The day was beautiful as we said goodbye to our beloved husband and brother. It was picture perfect: crisp blue skies and fluffy clouds. It is fitting that Tim would pass away at sunset, just after the golden hour, always the photographer.

Tim was born and raised in Haddam Neck, Conn., and he loved his hometown and the river that ran through it. Larger than life to his younger brother, Tim was an avid water skier, swimmer, boatsman, skateboarder, mountain biker and overall explorer in his youth; he never ran out of stories to tell of all the adventures he and his neighborhood friends had at the end of Rock Landing Road or at the Haddam Neck Fair. Imaginative and skillful, Tim had a childhood built on the freedom to explore with imaginative companions who would become lifelong friends. Tim carried this foundation of freedom of spirit and loyal friendship throughout his life.

Tim attended college at the University of New Hampshire, studying marine biology. Tim’s time in college, spent with some of his now-lifelong friends, and living in the infamous “Lee House” were the topics of many stories. Tim was a wonderful storyteller and could entertain those around him for hours with the antics of his life. It was in college that he earned one of his many nicknames, MacGyver, because Tim could fix just about anything with just about anything.

After college he moved to Vermont, becoming every bit a local in his appreciation for the beauty and harshness that Vermont could supply. He first lived in St. Albans, then in Essex and finally in Georgia, Vt., wearing several “hats” (although he is known for one particular knit cap) and meeting many wonderful coworkers. One of his first jobs in Vermont was working for the Pool Wizard, where he was part of the family, working for the company for 12 years, until its closing. He next went on to work for American Meadows as their seed warehouse manager for 14 years, and it is where he met his wife, Leigh. Most recently, Tim was working for Flexaseal, assisting them with understanding their current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software so that he could help them successfully transition to their new platform. It was a job that allowed Tim to flex his brain, instead of his muscles, and it fed into his passion for problem-solving.

Tim had just married his partner of 10 years, Leigh, on July 4, 2025, on their exact 10-year anniversary. It was a beautiful day: not too hot, not too humid, and the sun was shining. They were able to throw the celebration in the backyard of their home, among their gardens. The guest list was small, surrounded by their family and their closest friends. Tim closed out the night most fittingly by jamming with the band and friends under the moonlight. It was a happy day for all, and it is with great sadness that the family has gone from the happiest day of the couple’s life to the saddest in such a short period of time.

Tim was exceptionally brilliant and had a memory that most could only hope for, which made him almost always right. Even when the information he was giving you, whether a historical or scientific fact or a mathematical equation, seemed implausible, a quick internet search would prove to you that he retained information that he had learned almost 30 years ago.

While Tim often exhibited a tough exterior to strangers, he was someone who loved those close to him very deeply, was very thoughtful and found joy in making others happy. He was someone who always put others first, wanting to make sure his loved ones were happy and well cared for, above his own needs. He was also a huge animal lover and had several dogs and cats throughout his life, all rescued. He was often referred to as the “dog whisperer” because he had a way of understanding their needs and ensuring they were met.

Tim had many hobbies, including a natural gift for photography. Photography was something he found a passion for in high school, and even built his own darkroom at his childhood home. After moving to digital cameras, he started participating in DP Challenges and was known among other artists who submitted their work each week. He had a love for creating clever, artistic photographs where Photoshop was only used for editing, not for content. As the cameras in smartphones became even more robust, he could be found capturing photographs easily from anywhere, when the shot was suitable. Tim also loved music: listening to it, going to concerts and learning how to play a variety of instruments. In fact, he acquired so many different musical instruments over the years that there is a room in his house referred to as the “music room.” He also recently developed an interest in woodworking and, after having the space to acquire the necessary equipment, built many items for family and friends.

Tim will be greatly missed, and there is already a void in the life of his loved ones from the loss of his presence. Tim is survived by his adoring wife, Leigh Couture; his mother, Janette (Pazcek) Saunders; his brother, Jeff (Kate) Saunders and their daughters, Lillie and Tessa; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, chosen family, and his beloved pets: dogs Kita and Phoebe and cats Myszka, Beecher and Paski. Tim was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his father, Leslie Saunders.

A celebration of life will be held for Tim in Haddam Neck, Conn., during the springtime, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Vermonters Against Animal Cruelty and Abandonment, an organization and a cause dear to Tim’s heart.

This article appears in Dec 10-16 2025.