Obituary of Donald Garnett Sanders

Don Sanders was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Ralph Sanders and Mary Lloyd (Garnett) Sanders on December 28, 1952.He attended public schools in Fort Worth including Southwest High School where he flourished in the band. Don furthered his music education at TCU and at the New England Conservatory in Boston where he established friendships that lasted a lifetime. Don had a career as principal trombonist with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, John Williams and Keith Lockhart. In addition, he performed with the Boston Ballet Orchestra and at Tanglewood Music Festival. He also traveled the world and excelled in international music competitions. He was a lifelong member of the Boston Musician’s Association, a local affiliate of the American Federation of Musicians.Don’s career was shortened by a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. This diagnosis impacted every facet of his life but Don had an indomitable spirit. He moved back to Texas and received exceptional care and support from his helpers Janetta, Leslie, Megan and Nolita. He was a kind and caring man and on a daily basis he expressed his gratitude to his helpers. Throughout his life Don enjoyed temperate weather, a good laugh, politics and current events, phone calls with friends, listening to music, lots of hot sauce on his food, and a sip of good scotch.He is survived by his wife, Laura. He leaves behind a host of friends with wonderful memories of a good man and a great musician.