Obituary of Frank Saunders

Watch Recorded Video of Service at https://www.ustream.tv/embed/recorded/119454356?html5ui

On the evening of Sunday December 30, 2018, at the age of 91 Frank passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved wife Jean and some family members, including 2 of his granddaughters, both nurses, who lovingly helped to care for him all of that last sad day.  

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Eddie and Margaret (nee Wake) Saunders, daughter Teri, sister Betty (Corneilius) Penner, brother Edward, brothers in-law Corneilius Penner, Stan Loucks, John Loraas, step-nephew Greg Ehr, step-daughter-in law, Sandy Ehr, and great-granddaughter Courtney Pilon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Jean, formerly  Ehr/Colborn, his daughters
Sandra Saunders (Allan Bell), Kathryn Saunders (David  Pontarini), and Sharon,(Jeff Butler), 7 grandchildren (Calum, Caitlin, Paloma, Aidan, Darius, Hope and Lydia)
his brother Dave (Reta) Saunders, as well as 2 sisters: Mary (Bill) Campbell and Hannah Loucks,  41 nieces and nephews and their families. Also mourning his loss are Jean’s family Wayne(Debra), Shirley(Marcel), Karen(Calvin), Bryan, Bonnie (Denis) Bob (Carol Lee), Cliff (Kathy), Chuck(Georgette), Joe (Darlene),Beverly(Mark), 35 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, Jean’s sister Joyce Loraas, her 2 brothers Keith (Norma), and Cliff (Marian) Colborn and their families, and many relatives and friends.

Frank was born on the family farm in Borden Saskatchewan on May 25, 1927, to Quaker parents,
Eddie and Margaret (nee Wake) Saunders.  He attended Borden school, completing his grade 12 before eventually taking over the family farm from his father.  

In July of 1952, he married Shirley Wainwright, the mother of their 4 daughters.  He was an integral part of the Borden farming community, and forged many long lasting friendships there.  In the 70s Frank became a trustee of the Saskatoon West School Unit and for many years held the post of Chairman of the Board.  In addition to a busy farm and family life, he found time to pursue his passion for rebuilding wrecked vehicles, which he repaired in an autobody shop he built on the farm. Frank took pride in being able to sell his cars to the community, including cars he had taken ‘creative licence’ with when piecing them together.
On June 4th, 1988, Frank, now single, and Jean Ehr were married and began 30 happy years of life together.  After retiring from farming, Frank spent most of his time in Vanscoy where he worked out of another autobody shop he built.  He also began building birdhouses and plant hangers with the proceeds going to the church. He was grateful for the way the Vanscoy community welcomed him and he treasured his time with family and friends.

Frank and Jean travelled extensively, first with their 5th wheeler, later by tour bus, through Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, continental Europe as well as the Pacific Coast by cruise ship.
Frank was a quiet gentle man and was always ready to help his community with its projects. In 2011, after over 23 years in Vanscoy, he and Jean moved into Villa Royale, a seniors residence, where he enjoyed many activities, the companionship of new friends, and the counsel of Pastor Don Balzer.

We will miss our Dad, Husband, Grandpa and friend, but can rejoice that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour.  May he Rest In Peace.   

In lieu of flowers, gratefully, we ask that you please consider a donation to the upcoming 2019 version of Telemiracle, or to a charity of your choice.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2018 at 1:00  pm at Saskatoon Funeral Home, (338–4th  Ave. North)   with Pastor Don Balzer presiding.  Online condolences and live streaming / recorded archive of the funeral proceedings accessible at: www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com.