Paul D. Saurey

Paul D. Saurey, 76, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on May 9, 1950, in Ashton, Idaho, to Fred Dee Saurey and Fredonia Shirley Swenson. Known for his gentle demeanor, impeccable work ethic, and love of cars and hometown sports teams, Paul will be greatly missed by all who know and love him, but his deep faith in Jesus Christ gives the assurance that families are eternal.

Paul and his sister Cathy grew up in Rigby, Idaho, where he enjoyed drawing and sketching, and building and painting model cars. He even built a huge slot car race track in his childhood home. He played trombone in the high school pep band and enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his friends on the Menan Buttes.

Paul married Maureen Ellsworth in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 5, 1970. Together, they raised five children in a loving home where the Gospel was taught by word and example, and where family vacations to Utah, Idaho and California or staycations exploring the state of Arizona were a highlight of time spent together. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paul served in many callings with quiet diligence and commitment.

Paul graduated from Utah State University in 1973 with a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. He worked for the Land Group, A. Wayne Smith & Associates and Knoell Homes before opening his own land planning and landscape architectural firm, PD/Saurey Associates (PDSA Design Group) in 1988. With Paul’s natural talent, and Maureen at his side as office manager, he built the reputation of producing exquisite work. Paul designed beautiful master-planned neighborhoods throughout the Phoenix metro area during a time of unprecedented growth in the region. His signature communities, where families live, play and create memories together, will endure for generations to come.

Paul enjoyed cheering on the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and his favorite NASCAR drivers. Most Saturdays Paul would spend washing and waxing his cars, or tending to the landscape in his front and back yards. He found joy in the ownership and care of his vehicles and yards, keeping all beautifully detailed, clean, and maintained. His greatest efforts, above all else, centered on the love and care of his family.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, his son Joel (Brenna) Saurey, daughters Richelle (Grant) Hanks, Mika-Anne (Andrew) Davis, Valerie (Larry) Claussen and Shereen (Justin) Shaw, 18 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter, as well as his sister Cathy (Mike) Harper. He was welcomed home by his grandson Justin Paul Saurey as well as his parents, grandparents and cousins.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and the nursing staff at Summer Blossoms for their extraordinary care these past few years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, from 6pm-8pm at the LDS Church building at 2740 South Lindsay Road in Gilbert. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 12pm at the same location.