William Denis Sanborn, 69, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Monday, September 24, 2018. Will was born on June 13, 1949 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Francis Reo and Jean (Saunders) Sanborn. He married Deborah Toerper on July 28, 1979 in Solon Township. Will served his country in the U.S. Army, during Vietnam, as a cook at Fort Knox. He had been employed with TCAPS as the head cook at Norris Elementary School retiring in 2010 after over 20 years of service. Will was an avid reader. Among his favorites types of books were science fiction, mysteries, westerns, non-fiction and books about nature. He also enjoyed collecting antiques. Will loved to be outdoors; camping, fishing, bird watching, and boating.

William is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Deborah, his son, Ira (Jaclyn) Sanborn and two grandchildren; Madeline Sanborn and Torin Sanborn. Also surviving are two sisters and a brother; Cindy (Jim) Willis, Jeff (Kay) Sanborn and Peggy (Rob) Irving as well as four nephews; David Willis, John Willis, Josh Irving and Seth Irving.

In accordance with William's wishes cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Munson Hospice, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684 or Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, Michigan, 49654.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Will's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.