Obituary of Trenton Saunders

Saunders, Beck Trenton (Nipper), 27, a lifelong resident of St Petersburg, passed away on Saturday, July 14 2018.

Trenton was a man whose intelligence and interests were only surpassed by his amazing sense of humor and his ability to laugh. His interests encompassed many fields - from orchids to classic films, animals to philosophy, flying to scuba diving, science to art - he was learned and generous with his knowledge and skills. Among his other many extraordinary accomplishments he obtained his pilot’s license at 17 years of age.

Trenton graduated from St Petersburg high IB program and attended the University of Florida Gainesville and The University of South Florida. He was an account manager for the Surety Bond Company Nielson, Wojtowicz, Neu & Associates.

He was a man who could never say “no”. He helped his many friends with technical, practical, emotional, or any other imaginable problem, and always provided a sturdy shoulder to lean on and a story or witticism to bring a smile.

Trenton especially loved family. He loved family gatherings and knew the importance of emotional connections. Trenton’s love of family and friends was unconditional.

One of his greatest natural gifts was a sharp sense of humor which was never mean. Trenton saw that humor was a way of disarming everyone. There was simply no anger or petty grievances in his presence. Within minutes in his company, everyone was smiling, and soon laughter reigned.

In recent years, he became an expert in the propagation and care of orchids. He loved working in his incredible garden alongside his partner Cody. Together they created a magnificent oasis of beauty and calm as well as a loving home with their “two cats in the yard.”

Trenton and Cody also loved spending time at the beach. They went often, discussing plans, projects and goals for the future. That is where they felt most relaxed.

Trenton is survived by his partner, Cody Blaubach; parents, Donald B. Saunders II and Merritt L. Saunders; siblings, Trip Saunders, Haydon P. Saunders, Caroline E. (Adam) Oliver, Isabelle A. Saunders; maternal grandparents, Terry and Patricia Nelson; paternal grandparents, Donald B. and Erica Saunders Sr. and Lucille Bearsch; many extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends for a gathering on Sunday July 22 from 10am until the Celebration of Life at 11am, Anderson McQueen 2201 Dr. MLK Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33704. Father Chris Schuller will be leading us in celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Trenton’s memory to American Orchid Society: https://secure.aos.org/donate/default.aspx  or Friends of Strays: https://friendsofstrays.networkforgood.com/projects/14890-help-us-save-a-life-today

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.andersonmcqueen.com.

Following the service the family invites you to join them for a reception at the Vinoy Golf Club Sunset Ballroom, 600 Snell Isle Blvd. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33704.