CUPERTINO, Calif.— William Young Saunders, 69, a Newport News native, died peacefully in his sleep Dec. 28, 2007, at his home in Cupertino.

Mr. Saunders was the son of the late Herbert G. and Nellie Young Saunders of Newport News.

Survivors include his daughter, Michelle; his son, Bart and wife Darla, and grandson, Noah, all of California; and a younger brother, Robert F. Saunders and wife, Carol, of Smithfield.

He was able to enjoy a wonderful 2007 Christmas with his family, who remember him as a loving, caring, giving father and grandfather, and whom they admired for his intelligence and many accomplishments.

He was a 1957 graduate of the College of William and Mary, majoring in Physics. His career portfolio included work for Virginia Institute of Marine Science — Antarctic Division, and Westinghouse Undersea Division, working on deep submersibles.

Later, he was hired by Lockheed Ocean Systems as part of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Team. His final assignment was in Australia, retiring as a Senior Staff Engineer after a 35-year career with Lockheed.

The family will host a Service of Remembrance at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Abundant Life Church, 10100 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, Calif.