As we reported late last week, keyboard player Merl Saunders passed away on Friday in a Bay Area hospital. His family has announced that a memorial service will take place at 11 AM this Wednesday. The service will be held at the First AME Zion Church, 2159 Golden Gate Ave. in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Rainforest Action Network or the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic.

In addition, Saunders’ family has issued the following statement:
Merl Saunders stood for music and love his smile alone told you that. We loved him very much and we know that you, his fans, did too. Sad as we are to lose him, were very aware of being comforted by the affection coming from all those touched by that smile and that wonderful music. He was a special man, a beautiful companion, father, grandfather, and family patriarch, and the proof of that spirit is in the way youve reached out to us at his passing. From our hearts, thank you. And we know Merl thanks you too.

Keep on keepin on, The Saunders Family
A guest book has been set up at the Merl Saunders site to collect reminiscences.