Donald Alan
Saunders
November 3, 1923 - June 15, 2016
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Alan Saunders on June 15, 2016. He passed away peacefully with family by his side at Lions Gate Hospital. He was in his 93rd year. Don and his twin brother Bob were born in Wadena, Saskatchewan, November 3, 1923. In 1936 the family moved to Vernon, B.C. He often stated that the family felt they had died and gone to heaven when they arrived in Vernon. Don and Bob discovered their passion for fishing and hunting as teenagers in this beautiful Okanagan community. Don was a veteran and served in the Canadian Army in WW2. Following the war he attended the University of Toronto and received his degree as a Mechanical Engineer.
Upon graduation he returned to B.C. and began a long and successful career in the forest industry. Starting in Hammond with B.C. Forest Products where he met the love of his life, Elsie. Their journey took them throughout B.C. including stops in Youbou and MacKenzie, creating life long memories and friendships. During this time Lynn was born in Vancouver, Diane and Cheryl in Duncan and Chris in Prince George. The family eventually returned to West Vancouver in 1970 where Don and Elsie settled into a lifestyle that embraced the importance of family, friends and community involvement. Their home on Queens Avenue, commonly known as “The Revolving Door” was where they loved to entertain family and friends around the pool.
Don and Elsie loved to travel to Maui and Palm Springs for winter breaks and summers were spent at the family cottage at Sakinaw Lake on the Sunshine Coast. Don and his twin brother Bob carried their passion for hunting and fishing throughout their entire lives providing their families with a well-stocked larder. They always said that “somebody has to put meat on the table”
Don & Elsie were founding members of Hollyburn Country Club where they enjoyed curling and socializing with friends. Don gave generously of his time to numerous organizations, charities and conservation efforts he believed in.
He is survived by his ever loving wife Elsie and children, Lynn, Diane (Pertti) Cheryl, (Vincent) Chris (Cindy) grandchildren Tyler (Erica) Michela (Scott) Lauren, Jackson, step-son Kai Jokela and great grandchildren Bruce and Rose. He was predeceased by his brothers Bill, Dick (Olive), and Bob (Violet)
We would like to thank Dr. Jenn Walker and the team of doctors and nurses at Lions Gate Hospital for the exceptional care of our father. In lieu of flowers the family would be very grateful that donations go to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 8, 2016 from 5pm - 8pm at the Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek Rd. West Vancouver. Arrangements by Hollyburn Funeral Home Services and at Don’s request there will be no funeral service.