Born and raised in Gander, NL, Christopher moved to Victoria in 1994. Despite physical and mental challenges, he was able to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. He participated in the Special Olympics Swim Program and Thai Chi. He also enjoyed playing Crib and going out to a movie. He had a kind heart and a gentle soul. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Predeceased by his mother, Catherine and sister-in-law, Jane. He leaves to mourn, father Calvin; sisters Heather (Larry), Pam (Colin); brothers Derek (Christine), Jeff (Brenda) and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to the medical and nursing staff involved in his care, especially Drs. John Antonsen, Wei Song, Mary Connolly and Margaret Badger, RN and also, the staff at the Wascana Group Home.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 25, 2017 at St. Luke’s Anglican Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Island Health Residential Care Facility or the BC Kidney Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
Heartfelt condolences to the Saunders family during this time of loss. Chris was a happy gentle soul that brought joy to anyone he came into contact with. RIP Chris
So sorry to read of Chris’ death in yesterday’s Beacon. Tho’ I didn’t know the adult Chris I have fond memories of a happy child – especially the 5 year old who was a part of my Kindergarten class in 1972. There was a second Chris in that class and the two of them were, depending on the happenings of the day, the best of friends or the best of enemies! They dealt with each other in unique ways and were good at “getting back to happy”. In conversations with his parents after the move to B.C. I always felt that Chris enjoyed a very full life. How fortunate he was to have such a caring family. My sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your dear Chris.
Calvin, Derek, Heather, Pam, Jeff and families, I was so sorry to hear that Chris has passed away. My sincere condolences to you all. I last saw Chris many years ago, and I remember his big smile, and he was so excited to meet some cousins. I remember him as a very happy person. My thoughts are with you. Barby and Gerry
To each and every member of the Saunders family, I offer sincere condolences on the passing of Chris. As a family, you are all a part of my pleasant memories from our shared time at Gander Collegiate. As a teacher, I hope that Chris, with his brothers and sisters, were well served by GC Staff. Society as a whole would do well to imitate how you, his family, offered the level of love that Chris so richly deserved.
God bless you all.
With kindest regards,
Wayne
To the Saunders Family,
Our condolences on the loss of Christopher.
Don and Anne DuVall
megjunechili@shaw.ca
My sincerest condolences to Calvin and family on the recent death of your son and brother. I am saddened to hear that you also lost your lovely wife, Cathy. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
(In the mid 60’s my sister Betty, friend Millie and I rented your suite in Gander?)
June (LeDrew) Chilibeck
Sidney, B.C.
To the Saunders’ Family…..
On behalf of the Fung Loy Kuk/Taoist Tai Chi Society I offer our heartfelt condolences for your loss of Chris. We enjoyed having Chris be part of our health recovery classes. He always had a smile, was good humoured and very teasable. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Bobby Kovar
Heat Recovery Instructor
My sincerest condolences go out to Cal and family on the loss of your son & brother. (I feel sure that my late sister Betty, Millie and I rented from Cathy and Cal in the mid 60’s in Gander?) So sorry to hear that you have lost Cathy and now your son.
June (LeDrew) Chilibeck
Sidney, B.C.
I did not know Christopher but his story touched me, having been a parent of a child with severe challenges. His picture and life story tell of a man who loved to laugh and finding pleasure in the simple things I believe is the most important part of our human experience. The world would be a better place if we all practiced the same thing. We send our heart felt condolences for your loss.