Honoring the Legacy of Richard “Dick” Saunders

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Richard “Dick” Saunders, founder of Saunders Construction, Inc. and a prominent figure in Colorado business history, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025. Dick Saunders was 85.

Few individuals have shaped Colorado’s built environment as profoundly as Dick Saunders, the visionary founder of Saunders Construction. His legacy continues to influence how buildings are delivered, how teams collaborate, and how the company gives back to local communities.

Dick’s construction journey began long before he founded Saunders Construction in 1972. After graduating from the University of Denver in the early 1960s, he entered a rapidly changing industry with a knack for problem-solving, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for building structures that would strengthen communities.

Dick started Saunders Construction on February 2, 1972, in the basement of his Englewood home — a young man with big ambition and a belief that if you take care of people and deliver great work, everything else will fall into place. What began as a one-person operation, quickly grew into something bigger, driven by the foundational values he lived every day: care, commitment, collaboration, and community. Those values are still the backbone of the company today. Under Dick’s leadership, Saunders grew steadily, taking on increasingly complex and high-profile projects, many of which have become recognizable landmarks throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

When Dick stepped down as CEO in 2001, it marked a significant milestone in Saunders’ history. He passed the leadership baton with intention and confidence, knowing the next generation was ready to carry the company forward. Dick also believed in employee ownership as an integral part of future success. His vision ensured Saunders continued beyond his tenure, and today, the organization is a 100% employee-owned company.

Dick’s contributions have earned him some of the industry’s highest honors, including his induction into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2018. He was described as a “builder of people, not just projects.” He believed strongly in investing in people — mentoring young professionals, cultivating future leaders, and creating career pathways that helped employees grow and thrive.

In 2022, he received the Legacy Award from Engineering News-Record Mountain States, with former CEO John Beeble stating, “Dick has been a guy who’s never, ever said he was going to do something that he didn’t follow through on. That is what makes Dick Saunders who he is, and it’s what makes him unique.” Dick pushed for collaboration long before “partnering” became a standard practice, focusing on integrity, strong relationships, and a deep sense of responsibility to the industry and the community.

One of the defining elements of Dick’s legacy is his unwavering commitment to Denver-area causes that emphasize education and children. He helped start the Colorado Uplift nonprofit organization and served on more than a dozen community boards, including ACE Scholarships, the Foundation for Urban Youth Ministries, the Institute for Children’s Mental Disorders, and Mental Health America of Colorado. At one point, he was serving on 14 local nonprofit boards simultaneously. His passion for volunteering was driven by his belief that strong communities are built the same way strong companies are — one relationship, one act of care at a time.

He received countless awards and honors for his charitable work, including the Volunteers of America Humanitarian Award, the University of Denver Evans Award, the Samaritan Institute Award, and the Kempe Children’s Foundation Award for Community Service.

As Greg Schmidt, current Chairman & CEO has stated, “While Dick Saunders will most certainly be missed, his impact on our community, industry, and company will be felt for generations.”

Today, Saunders Construction remains rooted in the values Dick established more than 50 years ago. His legacy is visible in the Denver skyline, in the careers he shaped, in the nonprofits he championed, and in the culture of a company that continues to honor his vision. On the foundation he built, Saunders Construction continues to build what matters for the people, places, and communities of Colorado.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Spring 2026. More details will be announced in the new year.