James Nisbet « Jim » Saunders
1926-2018
James Nisbet « Jim » Saunders –
92, Truro. It is with sadness but gratitude for a life well lived,
that we announce the passing of our Dad, Jim Saunders, who reluctantly
but bravely and peacefully died in Truro on Friday, March 16, 2018,
surrounded by the inestimable love of his wife, Jean (Sutherland)
Saunders, and their children, spouses, grandchildren and great
grandchildren.
Always a modest man of firsts, our
Dad welcomed 1926, entering this world in Antigonish on New
Year’s Day, born to father, George (« GR »)
Saunders, of Westville, and mother, Mary (Morse) Saunders, of Berwick.
A most proud Pictou County son, Dad grew up in Stellarton, going on to
graduate from Dalhousie University with joint BA and B.Comm. degrees.
He was always happy to point out that his parents were able to
celebrate the graduation of their three children from Dalhousie on the
very same day: George with his MD; Dad with his BA and B.Comm. and
Estelle with her BA. It was said to be a family
« first ».
Dad was a champion debater for four
years, captained the Sodales Debate Society as its President, winning
his Gold ‘D’ which served as an engagement ring when he proposed to
our Mom in 1947. The best move he ever made! After graduating from
Dalhousie, our father went west, starting his successful business
career, first with Hudson’s Bay Company, leading to postings in Flin
Flon, MB, and Vernon, BC. Two years later Dad transitioned into the
insurance industry, joining the (then) London Assurance, which later
became Sun Alliance, now known as Royal Sun Alliance. His business
acumen and leadership led to several moves over the span of his
career: Yorkton, Winnipeg, Willowdale, Pointe Claire, Oakville and
Truro, where he retired in 1991 as Divisional Manager of the Atlantic
Provinces, after 40 years with the company.
Ever a gentleman (whether tipping his
hat, or holding the door) and a man of unquestionable moral fibre, our
Dad was known for his extraordinary kindness, courage, integrity,
humility, loyalty and generosity towards others. He drew enormous
strength from his family, his church and his community – stepping up
to lead wherever he could, in every city they lived: the United Church
Of Canada as a Sunday school teacher & Superintendent, or
member of the Board of Stewards; Children’s Aid Society; VON; Golden
‘K’; and honoured for his volunteerism by private members’ bills in
the Legislative Assembly; as well as the Town of Truro’s Volunteer of
the Year; and the National Medal of Excellence from VON Canada, just
to name a few. An avid gardener, curler, golfer, fisherman, and master
house painter, historian and archivist, our father was quietly but
immensely proud of his children, their spouses, and the ensuing
generations they started, or that await. In retirement our Mom and Dad
enjoyed many annual trips to Barbados, the UK, and the DR, as well as
wonderful family vacations sharing cabins at Pictou Lodge, always
amazing others by their stamina, their « youth » and their
commitment and endless love for one another. They had hoped to
celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary together on September 16,
2018. Our father said he was « going to hang around for
that ». You almost made it Dad.
Dad was predeceased by his parents,
George and Mary; his brother, George; his sister, Estelle and his
sister-in-law, Mary Sutherland. He is survived by his beloved wife,
Jean; their son, Jamie and his wife, Gayle; their daughter, Catherine
and her husband, Michael Epstein; their grandchildren, Matt and his
wife, Marianne Brassard; Alyson and her husband, Hugh Sturgess; Beth
and her husband, William Sharp; David, Alexander, and Johanna Epstein
and their precious great grandchildren, Ingrid and Jack Sturgess. Dad
also leaves his sister-in-law, Emily Saunders; his dear only niece,
Joan (Al) Gibson; nephews, George, Bruce and David; many first cousins
(including the Morse, Woodworth, Reid, Harlow, Harris, Babineau and
Leadbetter families) and their spouses as well as a legion of loyal
friends and former neighbours across Canada. We will all miss him
dearly but we will cherish the memories, the legacy, the lessons, the
laughter, and the exemplary standard he left for us all.
We wish to express our thanks to
their family physician, Dr. Rob Graham; Palliative Care doctor, Dr.
Stephanie Connidis and the many other kind doctors and nurses at the
Colchester East Hants Health Centre; EHS paramedics Hisa and Amanda;
Dave Hunt and the management and personnel at Parkland Estates; the
uplifting visits from countless friends including Lisa, Cynthia,
Valerie and the MacNaughtons, MacLeans, Weldons and Moffatts; and
especially Sherri Smith, RN and her wonderful staff at Today’s Nurse
Inc. for the exceptionally kind and professional round-the-clock care
they gave our father at home in his final days.
Our father’s funeral
service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at First
United Church, 711 Prince Street, Truro, Reverend Valerie Kingsbury
officiating. There will be no visitation, however, following the
funeral service the family will greet friends in Memorial Hall. An
interment service for family only will take place later in the year.
In keeping with his wishes, our Dad
has donated his brain to Maritime Brain Bank, to further scientific
research in the study of dementia. In lieu of flowers, you might
choose to remember our father by volunteering to help those less
fortunate in your community or by making a donation to VON (Colchester
East Hants District) or First United Church; donations may be made at
the funeral home or at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to
Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street,Truro. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Jim’s obituary on-line and selecting « Send A
Condolence » at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de James Nisbet Jim Saunders 19262018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
