Daniel Brian Saunders

1978 - 2022

Unexpectedly, on March 5, 2022, we lost our life partner, son, brother, uncle and everyone's best friend; Dan.

He was born to Brian and Betty Saunders on November 10, 1978 in Thunder Bay, Ontario and relocated in his youth to Vancouver; where he met his fiancé Dean Lys in June 2006 and have shared an incredible life together ever since.

Family and friends meant absolutely everything to Dan. Anyone who was fortunate enough to make a connection with him, will also tell you he was their best friend. He was a confidante, vault, sounding board, and voice of reason. You could always count on Dan for a wise opinion.

An employee of 18+ years for Metro Vancouver; he was very proud to have a fulfilling career as an Environmental Officer. Dan was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and well respected amongst his colleagues. He also made some of his closest bonds of friendship there.

While Dean and his friends were his family in Vancouver, Dan always called Thunder Bay his hometown, where most of his family still resides. Dan would make frequent trips back and always appreciated the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the city. He was very proud of it and had plans this summer to visit with his friends to show it off.

Missing him in Thunder Bay is his family: father Brian, sister Heather (Sal), niece and nephew, Katryn (Ryan) and Greg (Mya). He was endlessly proud to be a Grand Uncle to Corinna and brand new baby Theo Daniel. Many other relatives throughout Canada and the United States will miss him deeply.

Dan was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth in September 2018; a loss he truly never got over.

Dan had many loves, some of which were his Divas, soaps, cooking, and his stuffed animal collection. He played his recorder for birthdays, loved cold, cold winter air, thunderstorms, and still wanted to ride ferris wheels and make snow angels.

He had a real life stuffie he adored and shared a special bond with, Heather's golden retriever, Mr. Waffles. Dan's smile could have lit a city block when he got to hold him at 3 weeks old.

He was a big kid at heart and as much as he cared for others, he loved being taken care of by Dean. Their passion was travel, and he and Dean had countless fantastic memories from their adventures together. There was so much more to do.

New experiences brought out that electric, huge smile every time. Forever missing that smile is Dean, who was so excited to be able to call Dan his husband later this year. There were never two siblings more close than Heather and Dan, who shares his smile and will see it when she looks in the mirror each day.

Two celebrations of Dan's life will be held at a later date; one in Vancouver and one in Thunder Bay, with a private interment there.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. In addition, Dean will be holding a Stuffie Adoption so that many people will get the same enjoyment as Dan did from all of his creatures.

In memory of Dan, please practice kindness, flash a smile at someone, and take a selfie with your favourite filter. He only wanted to live his best life and wanted the same for everyone around him.