Richard “Dick” Saunders, founder of Denver-based Saunders Construction, died on November 21, 2025. He was 85 years old.
A graduate of the University of Denver, he founded Saunders Construction in 1972 and led it as CEO until 2001. Saunders was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the ENR Mountain States Legacy Award for the Colorado-Wyoming Region in 2022 in recognition of his career in the architecture and construction industry, Eng.
Saunders Construction is one of Colorado’s largest general contractors, recently ranking third on ENR’s list of the state’s largest companies, with more than $529 million in revenue. The company has built hundreds of projects across the region, from higher education facilities to courthouses, skyscrapers, office buildings, cultural facilities, airports and complex water projects, among many others.
In addition to marking the building landscape, Saunders also made significant contributions to the industry and community of Denver. He served as president of AGC Colorado and on the national board of AGC, and his philanthropic efforts have helped thousands of people.
At one point, Saunders served on 14 local community boards simultaneously, including the Bonfils Blood Center Foundation, the Kempe Children’s Foundation, Mental Health America of Colorado, the University of Denver, the Colorado Ballet and the Arthritis Foundation. In 2001, he received an award from the Samaritan Institute, along with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
“Dick has been a guy who never, ever said he was going to do something he didn’t follow through on. That’s what makes Dick Saunders who he is, and that’s what makes him unique,” said former GM John Beeble in reflecting on Saunders’ character at his Legacy Award.
“While Dick Saunders will be missed, his impact on our community, industry and company will be felt for generations,” said Greg Schmidt, president and CEO of Saunders Construction. “He built a company built on purpose and relationships. We’re honored to continue moving forward.”
