Obituary of Neil William Saunders

SAUNDERS: Neil "Papa" William Saunders, passed away suddenly at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the age of 71 years. Neil is survived by his daughter, Shannon (Ken) Pratt of Brandon, MB; son Jeff Saunders of Ontario; brother Bob (Arlene) Saunders of Tampa Bay, FL; sister Edith (Dick) Cain of Milton, ON; loving grandchildren Stephanie, Brad, Brooklyn, Twylla, Kaitlyn and Parker; and special friend Margaret McMurachy. Neil also leaves behind Sherry Lane and family; Ronald Saunders and family; and many nieces and nephews. Born February 13, 1939, Neil grew up in Barrie, ON and later made roots in Winnipeg, MB. In his last few years, he found home in Brandon, MB and would often tell us how happy he was that he made the move. Neil was a truck driver through and through. You could ask him for directions and always be guaranteed that he was right. He was passionate about fishing, bowling and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, they lit up his life! Neil never complained and always had a smile or a wise crack, depending on the occasion. Even his last day with us, the nurse asked him how he was and his reply, with a smile was, "60/40". He was loving, scrappy, and had a sense of humor. He loved to tease and be teased. He would love to discuss his beloved Blue Bombers with his son-in-law Ken, knowing Ken was an NFL fan and he would always have a comment. In typical Neil Saunders fashion, he is going to heaven with a Blue Bomber's t-shirt and a black eye. He said the black eye made him look tough! In the words of his great-niece Jodie, "The people with the gruffest exteriors are made of the best stuff on the interior". He was a loving father, devoted papa, loyal brother, fun-loving uncle, and a friend that you could count on and he will be missed by all who knew him. At dad's request, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held on June 4, 2011 in Barrie, ON. The family would like to thank Dr. Roux of Virden, MB and Dr. Kaiser and staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre for providing such wonderful care to dad. Memorial donations in memory of Neil may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7.