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Ernest "Ernie" SAUNDERS
June 09, 1936 - August 06, 2025
BORN
June 09, 1936
DIED
August 06, 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ernest SAUNDERS Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Ernest (Ernie) Saunders, age 89, on Wednesday, August 6th. Ernie passed peacefully with his loving wife Rosalind of 65 years at his side.
Ernie was born and raised in Wilberforce Ontario, alongside his siblings Bert, Eric, Tommy, Barb and Katie.
Ernie found his way to BC from Ontario in pursuit of work as a young man, and promptly met the love of his life, his future wife Rosalind. As a young family, they settled in Vavenby BC, where Ernie worked in the logging industry. Once there, they raised their family of 5 children, daughter Michele, and sons Mark, Derrick, Kevin (Karin), Ryan (Ciana). Also missing Ernie are his five lovely grandchildren Amber, Myia, Marla, Alanis and Jordan and ten great-grandchildren. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son Mark, grandson Norman and son-in-law Daryll.
Rosalind and Ernie eventually made their way to Nanaimo, along with their children. He loved to spend his free time with friends and family, either fishing or on a golf course. We say free time because he had a very strong work ethic that kept him working with a hammer, a wrench or a garden tool, until his body said enough! All his children, including Michele, learned many skills from their dad, as they often worked alongside him. Ernie also had many close friends who cared deeply for him.
Our thanks for the care given by the wonderful staff at Nanaimo Kiwanis Seniors home during Ernie's time there. They all went the extra mile to ensure his needs were met and with a smile for him.
We hope you can join us in saying farewell to Ernie on Tuesday August 19th, 2025. A service will be held at St. Mary's church at 11:30 am, 1135 Fourth Street, Ladysmith. A private family internment will follow before a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, Rosalind has requested donations to be made to BC Children's Hospital foundation.
"A heart of gold stopped beating,
Working hands at rest,
Leaves and flowers may wither,
The golden sun may set,
But the hearts that loved you dearly
Are the ones that won't forget."
Ernie was born and raised in Wilberforce Ontario, alongside his siblings Bert, Eric, Tommy, Barb and Katie.
Ernie found his way to BC from Ontario in pursuit of work as a young man, and promptly met the love of his life, his future wife Rosalind. As a young family, they settled in Vavenby BC, where Ernie worked in the logging industry. Once there, they raised their family of 5 children, daughter Michele, and sons Mark, Derrick, Kevin (Karin), Ryan (Ciana). Also missing Ernie are his five lovely grandchildren Amber, Myia, Marla, Alanis and Jordan and ten great-grandchildren. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son Mark, grandson Norman and son-in-law Daryll.
Rosalind and Ernie eventually made their way to Nanaimo, along with their children. He loved to spend his free time with friends and family, either fishing or on a golf course. We say free time because he had a very strong work ethic that kept him working with a hammer, a wrench or a garden tool, until his body said enough! All his children, including Michele, learned many skills from their dad, as they often worked alongside him. Ernie also had many close friends who cared deeply for him.
Our thanks for the care given by the wonderful staff at Nanaimo Kiwanis Seniors home during Ernie's time there. They all went the extra mile to ensure his needs were met and with a smile for him.
We hope you can join us in saying farewell to Ernie on Tuesday August 19th, 2025. A service will be held at St. Mary's church at 11:30 am, 1135 Fourth Street, Ladysmith. A private family internment will follow before a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, Rosalind has requested donations to be made to BC Children's Hospital foundation.
"A heart of gold stopped beating,
Working hands at rest,
Leaves and flowers may wither,
The golden sun may set,
But the hearts that loved you dearly
Are the ones that won't forget."
Published by The Times Colonist from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2025.