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John Saunders
1955 - 2016
John Saunders
1955 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1955
DIED
2016
John Saunders Obituary
No cause of death was announced.
ESPN tweeted the news: “We are heartbroken to report longtime ESPN personality John Saunders has died. He was 61.”
In a statement, ESPN President John Skipper said, “John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades. His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen.
“More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his long-standing efforts as a passionate board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. … Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”
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Saunders, who was born Feb. 2, 1955, in Ajax, Ontario, joined ESPN in 1986, hosting the sports network’s program titled “The Sports Reporters.” At the time of his death, he was the host of ABC’s coverage of college football.
Before moving to the U.S. to work as a sports anchor at a Baltimore, Maryland, television station, Saunders was a news director for an Ontario radio station and a sports anchor at an Ontario TV station.
Sports writer Adam Schefter tweeted, “Sickened and saddened to hear of loss of our colleague and friend, John Saunders. What a nice man. What a great man.” His tweet was accompanied by a photograph of a smiling Saunders.
Off screen, Saunders advocated for juvenile diabetes research. He was a founding member of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research.
Saunders is survived by his wife, Wanda, and two daughters, Aleah and Jenna.
108 Entries
Perry Ashawasegai
June 10, 2017
I wanted to add another message in case i didn't here. I went to high school withJohn and Bernie in Chateauguay QC. John was always an inspiration to all who knew him. We were so fortunate to have John come to Montreal for a 40th high school reunion the year before. John acted as our MC being the only celebrity journalist among us.
It was a wonderful celebration and we were all reminded how special John had always been, and why he inspired so many folks during his life.
We all followed John and his lovely family on Facebook and were devastated for them especially, at his loss.
We will never forget you my friend.
TT
December 29, 2016
John Saunders was an influential human being. His dedication to journalism, and the human experience will be missed. My prayers are with the family both now, and forever.
September 20, 2016
Dear Saunders Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.May you be comforted by the God of comfort while you mourn the great loss of Mr.John Saunders. Isaiah 66:12,13
Leia~ NJ
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September 10, 2016
My favorite announcer ever!! Prayers to the Saunders family
Sheila Brown
September 3, 2016
Dear Saunders Family,
Me and family are at loss of words. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that God gives you strength and peace as the days come. We always enjoyed watching him on Saturday's college game day. Again we are so sorry.
Aaron and Shelia from WV
Dorothy Rowson
September 1, 2016
Great man. Never will be forgotten. He will be missed! Sports fan in Florence, SC .
Kate and Steve Bricker
August 24, 2016
Will be greatly missed
D. Proverbs 17:17 Andrews
August 21, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 20, 2016
rip
Carol Martin Buck
August 19, 2016
Prayers to the family. Thanks for the memories Mr. Saunders.
raymond hairston
August 19, 2016
A piece of our history and legacy is now cemented in stone (literally). Mr. John Saunders, to me was the definition of classy in mentoring,journalism, parenting and life itself. You will be missed. Rev. Hairston
Deborah Griffin
August 18, 2016
My Condolences to the family. Praying for strength now and the days to come.
Laura Hamann
August 18, 2016
I can't say that I am an avid sports fan but I always enjoyed John's reporting. So professional, such a gentlemen no unnecessary drama. Sending prayers for peace and healing for his family.
August 17, 2016
Such a loss.
I also grew up in Ajax, Ontario and I attended high school with John's brother Bernie. I often watched John on Toronto News City Pulse and later ESPN and always felt a warming "home town pride" also when I saw Bernie's pro hockey cards and saw him some years after high school..He spoke very highly of his big brother John, so proud.
I have no more words, and I hope that knowing that my thoughts and prayers are with the Saunders family can be of some comfort.
God bless.
Lizanne Colpitts
Toronto, Ontario
Charles DiVita
August 17, 2016
I never new John on a personal level but when i watched him on ESPN i realized that his professionalism,kindness,the way he treated other people it made feel like i new him personally.He will be missed my prayers go out to his family during this emotional time in there life.RIP JOHN
Barbara Coleman
August 16, 2016
My prayers go out to the Saunders family may God be with them.
James McCarley
August 16, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting John & Wanda in 1989 when they first can into our dealership to purchase a new Jeep .Being so down to earth not trying use his celebrity status we hit it off very well.After that John brought a lot more SUV 'S from me .He invited me to play golf with him and a lot told me to bring some of my friends as well He came to my celebrity Golf tournaments on many occasions . I started the X Plan with ESPN employees thru John and no one at the company knew were it came from. I became friends to him.Wanda,and the girls .He introduced me other ABC folks who also purchased cars from me. When I spoke with Dicks Vitale and told him that John was a friend he sent a box of basketballs for the kids.John was and still is a first class act a first class man and a true friend I will miss you my brother Rest On
Perry Ashawasegai
August 16, 2016
To John's family:
Our most profound condolences to the family of our high school friend, whom my sister and I saw only a few short years ago at a reunion in Montreal.
Byron Priest
August 16, 2016
My prayers go out to the Saunders family.... may God be with you through these tough timess!!!
August 16, 2016
My most sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the immediate and extended family of Mr. John Saunders. He was a great sports commentator and a professional that I enjoyed listening to especially on Sundays prior to pro football game time. If it came out of his mouth...you could believe it. He was very knowledgeable about sports in general (and particular) and appeared quite poised as he presented sports information with confidence and ease. "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" (Booker T. Washington). Respectfully submitted by:
Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC of Charlotte, NC.
John Young
August 16, 2016
Living only a short distance from ESPN Studios, I felt John Saunders was part of our community.
He was the "Cream of the Crop" of sports reporters, fair, well spoken, dignified, and boy did he know his sports.
I will miss seeing him this fall especially around football season.
May John Saunders soul rest in God`s eternal peace, heaven has received a wonderful person!
Deepest condolences to the Saunders Family and John`s extended family at ESPN. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
John A. Young
Cromwell, Ct
Alfredia Forbes Hubbard
August 15, 2016
John was a true joy. He made you believed your opinions and lives meant so much to you and your family. He will always be in our heart.
David Roecker
August 15, 2016
John, I felt like you were my friend as the years rolled by on ESPN. Great voice and enjoyable to listen to whether my team won or lost. Rest In Peace - Friend.
Searcy
August 15, 2016
John was one of the best. I been watching ESPN for over thirty years. RIP my friend.
Shirley Miles
August 15, 2016
My sincere sympathy to friends and family of John Saunders. He was a part of my Sunday morning for 15 years and will be missed.
Sharon Dixson
August 15, 2016
Mr. Saunders will remain a permanent fixture in my mind as he was so distrinctly acknowledged by his awesome voice and commentary. Maybe imitated, but never duplicated, he will prevail as a giant in the industry. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Robert & Valentina Boulware
August 14, 2016
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to your family during their time of sorrow. May God bless all of you.
Pamela Reid
August 14, 2016
May we all find peace and solace in knowing greatness and kindness existed in human form. God bless the family of Mr. John Saunders, may you find peace in knowing how much he was appreciated and respected. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!
SAMUEL BISHOP
August 14, 2016
SAMUEL BISHOP
August 14, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Saunders family. I enjoyed John's voice and quality of work for more than 20 years. His ability to make his presence felt on the" sports reporters"
While not overstepping the others was genius. May God comfort his family and loved ones and may John rest in God's loving and protective arms. He will be missed beyond measure
Lynda
August 14, 2016
John was a gift to all of us. More than ever, I realize how lucky we were to have enjoyed the time with him. Condolences to his personal and professional families on his tremendous loss.
Lynn Beauvais
August 14, 2016
I know the Creator welcomed you with open arms. May you rest in peace John, I will always remember you as the 16 year old high school student with the headband and the cool afro... O:nen ki wahi from your Kahnawake Mohawk classmates❤
Erlene Padgett
August 13, 2016
Will miss him so much. Always a class act. So shocked and saddened when I heard the news. Prayers go out to his wife and children, other family members, and his ESPN family.
Anita Smith
August 13, 2016
So sorry to hear the passing of Mr.John Saunders.My prayers are with his entire family,colleagues,friend and the sports world.May God blessed each one of you.Rest in Peace John Saunders
Shirley
August 13, 2016
To the Saunders Family
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you.
Richard Wythe
August 13, 2016
There are some people that you never met in your entire life, yet feel their loss like they were your best friend for years. John Saunders is one of those people. RIP sir, you will not be forgotten.
August 13, 2016
To the family of Mr. John Saunders the God of all comfort feels your sorry. May God give the family the strength to go on each day. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cynthia Suber
August 13, 2016
Sorry to see this, I remember watching him when I lived in Baltimore. Prayers go out to his family.
TRIAD / MC
David J Bhaltazahar Esq
August 13, 2016
He was a Good Man.
johnnie elmore
August 13, 2016
May god be with your family and bring comfort and peace in the loss of your love one.
Daphne Foreman
August 12, 2016
I enjoyed watching him cover all facets of sports. I NOW understand his love of hockey. College football AND hockey will not be the same. May God surround his family and friends with peace and love. We have truly lost a broadcasting giant. RIP Mr. Saunders....
Tamiko Woods
August 12, 2016
May the God of Peace give your family comfort during this difficult time
Angela Houston
August 12, 2016
R.I.P May God bless your family.
"Clothe yourselves with love" Colossians 3:14
August 12, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bradley Sumner
August 12, 2016
John sure was an inspiration for many and the many who praised him as one of best sportscasters ever. I never met John. I only shared a room with him when he was inducted in Toronto's RYERSON University Sports Hall of Fame. I and my team, almost a generation older than John, were inducted in the same room -a ceremony iin historic Maple Leaf Gardens - a few years later. Rest in peace John Much too early.
Norma Osborne
August 12, 2016
Sorry for your loss may God comfort you at the loss of your love one.R.I.P
Jeremy Hossler
August 12, 2016
When a man like John Saunders passes it makes me sad not having the pleasure to have known him or met him. It's people like John Saunders that make all who have had that privilege better as human beings. Hopefully we can all have a "John Saunders" in our life. My dearest sympathies to his family and friends.
James Antal
August 12, 2016
An amazing talent...he will be missed.
Herman Rainey
August 12, 2016
A true professional at his craft.
August 11, 2016
My condolences and prays family friends associated and fans in the transition of John Saunders. May y'all find peace in memories comfort and understand with faith in God
Artis, GeorgiA
August 11, 2016
Sincere condolences to families & friends, at times like this we must reflect on happy memories and focus on the wonderful future our creator promises where former distress will not be call to mind or come up into our hearts Isa. 65:16,17
Ann P
August 11, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of John Saunders....oh how I loved watching him on television and being so filled with pride! My favorite show was The Sports Reporters on Sunday morning and I always looked forward to hearing John's closing remarks at the end. What a giant of a man he was and so talented too! He will be sorely missed by everyone....RIP eternally.....
Chuck Gie
August 11, 2016
Great Sportscaster, huge loss for all
God Bless you John, we will miss you
August 11, 2016
The World lost a class act person who was a professional and he always gave his best in doing ESPN sports. ESPN will never ever replace a guy like this and him not being there is tough to accept. Prayers to the Saunders' family. Rest IN Peace John Saunders.
Kendra Kinsley
August 11, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Saunders Family. May the God of comfort be with the family during this difficult time.
G. Freeman
August 11, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
K J
August 11, 2016
Class Act all the way. RIP
Donna James
August 11, 2016
Mr Saunders, you will be missed by the fans of ESPN, who saw you on SportsCenter and other sports programs.
You made us cheer ourselves up and show their love and support!
Rest in Peace, John!
Moose McDaniel
August 11, 2016
What a loss rip John Saunders you will be missed.
August 11, 2016
What a shocker! He seemed to be very well respected by his colleagues, which says alot.
Andy Williams, Abacus Regional Mortgage
D Tyler
August 11, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Saunders family. 1 Peter5:7.
August 11, 2016
Beloveds, I am truly shocked and saddened to hear about John Saunders. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
Lynn
August 11, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Saunders family.May the God of all comfort be with you.
Evans Family
August 11, 2016
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. My the support of family and friends be a source of strength and the god of comfort and refuge in your time of need.
August 10, 2016
Saturdays in autumn will never be quite the same without Mr. Saunders.
-- Debra (Denver, CO)
Kevin Howard
August 10, 2016
The whole world is heart broken over this loss. My prayers go out to all his family and friends. He was one of the greatest personally and that came out professionally. Rest in peace Mr.Saunders for a job well done
Bill Dailey
August 10, 2016
Loved watching his show and his style was unlike all these obnoxious new guys. John Saunders carried himself well. He came across as real nice guy RIP
Micheal Graziani
August 10, 2016
R.I.P. Mr. Saunders.
You will be missed!!!
Adrian Barnette
August 10, 2016
We'll miss you !
E. DeRoode-Parham
August 10, 2016
RIP Mr. Saunders.
Rose F
August 10, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charles Sullivan
August 10, 2016
Rise up, Judge of the earth, pay back to the proud what they deserve. __Psalm 94:2
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
August 10, 2016
Dear Saunders's Family hello there my name is Faith Tobin and Rory Dockett and we'd luv to express our condolences's to the Saunders's Family.he'll surely be missed very much.luv,Faith/Rory
john lambert
August 10, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Pam Simons
August 10, 2016
John will truly be missed he had such a unique voice. God Bless.
Mary Green
August 10, 2016
RIP!
Tim Foster
August 10, 2016
Thank you
August 10, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. It is sad to know someone so beloved is gone. May God comfort your hearts.
August 10, 2016
The most eloquent sports's announcer of our times.
Joe Troncale
August 10, 2016
One of the great sports announcers of our time.
We will miss you.
Vernon Young
August 10, 2016
I've been watching John Saunders for many years. So sorry to hear about his passing he will be missed very much. Condolences to his wife and daughters. John I will miss your knowledge for sports and big happy smile!!!!!
Connie Force
August 10, 2016
To the Saunders family sorry for your loss of John. He will be dearly missed by so many fans and coworkers and family and friends. RIP our dear friend.
August 10, 2016
So sorry to hear the news. Gone way too soon. I especially enjoyed John's work on Sports Reporters. My sympathy to the family John was a great man.
August 10, 2016
"Thank you John.... Your smile made everything ok."
Mary Davis (Charleston SC)
CAROL WHITESIDE
August 10, 2016
I HAVE WATCH MR. SAUNDERS FOR YEARS ON THE TELEVISION AND ALWAYS ADMIRED HIM...SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS.MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS,FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS..
Scott Chamberland
August 10, 2016
Rest in Peace
Chris Coyle
August 10, 2016
Thank You John....you were always a welcomed voice...a smiling face during my viewership of sports.... I liked you John.....and you exuded TRUST : ) You Will Be Missed......
Pete Smith
August 10, 2016
Thanks for making sports enjoyable
Valenda Newell
August 10, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to John's family. He will still be alive in our hearts and minds, through us (sports fans), he lives on. PRAYERS and BLESSINGS.....RIP
Harry Simpson
August 10, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Jerry Lenz
August 10, 2016
One of the best ever
M. Wilson
August 10, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Dave Mann
August 10, 2016
To the Saunders Family:
John was THE reason I watched "Sports Reporters". He was the best talent on ESPN. If he wasn't on, I didn't watch. A loss that has come too early. Condolences to your entire family.
Nan Patidar
August 10, 2016
Once an angel on earth, now watching over his family and friends from Haven.
Nutan Patel
August 10, 2016
Mr. Saunders,
You will forever be missed !
May you RIP.
Greg Cooper
August 10, 2016
He represented all that is good in sports journalism
and more importantly in life. May god bless you and your family
God speed
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