We Remember

SAUNBY, Donald Garth

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Garth, 89, passed peacefully with the love of his life, Anne at his side on 8 April 2018. He was predeceased by seven siblings and his stepson, Richard. Garth is survived by his devoted and loving wife Anne, stepdaughter Linda (Dennis), children:  Brian (Sherry), Colleen (Wayne), Wanda, Terry (Judy), Michael (Carolyn) and Heather (Tracy), 32 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Garth served in the Merchant Marines and on Canadian Coast Guard lighthouse tenders along the west coast. He worked as a welder and millwright for 45 years, retiring from Brenda Mines in 1990.  He is past-Commodore of Westbank Yacht Club and was active in fish and game organizations and mining unions. Garth loved to sing, whistle and dance, and embraced a good party. He was a talented artist and excelled in wood carving.  He made his mark at home by growing A LOT of tomatoes, his original pruning practice and spectacular Christmas lighting displays.  Garth was an avid curler for 40 years and he and Anne played and travelled to bonspiels regularly. Garth’s big passion was fishing and hunting. He and Anne spent many happy weeks on the water and in the bush. Excursions with his hunting and fishing “buddies” were much enjoyed and talked about for years.  His hard-smoked salmon is legendary. Garth did not want a funeral. He’d be pleased if you raised a glass in remembrance and/or, in lieu of flowers, donated to The Alzheimer’s Society or UBC’s David Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. The family is deeply grateful for the attentive care of Dr. Michael Appleby and especially for the loving and competent care at Mountainview Village these past 7 months. Thanks also to residents and staff at Hawthorn Park, who made Garth and Anne’s time there warm and fun. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”  

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The Alzheimer’s Society or UBC’s David Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

 


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Condolences

  • Raquel Roizman says:
    April 10, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Dearest Wanda and family, your dad sounds like quite the man. Had we met 20 years ago, perhaps I would have had the honour to meet him. I see where so much of you comes from! May his memory always be a blessing to all of you.
    Much love,
    Raquel

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  • Randy Merz says:
    April 12, 2018 at 11:34 am

    Goodbye Uncle Garth! You’re with Jack, Kaye, Tunny, Lorna, Sonny, and Dell now. I hope where you are, that the hunting and fishing is perfect. You brought a lot of joy to your nephews (me and my bros) and your grand-nephews (Trav and Matt). Go out there Unca Garth, to a much deserved rest. Love and respect, always.
    Randy

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  • Patrick Olenick says:
    April 12, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to everyone. I fondly remember Garth’s sense of humour and love for his family and nature. God bless.

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  • Richie Rolke says:
    April 12, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    Mrs. Saunby, Heather and family, we are very sorry to hear of Mr. Saunby’s passing. We have very good memories of him on Delray Road. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maurice, Richie and Jim Rolke

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  • Randy Taneda says:
    April 13, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Sorry to hear of Garth’s passing. I remember Garth’s humour and good natured smile as he would suddenly think of something to say, lift up his welding helmet, spits some sunflower seeds, and come up with a wisecrack about life. I don’t think I’ve seen him since the Brenda Mine days back in the mid-70s but he made such an impression on me that I still remember him fondly. My condolences to you all!

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  • David Lillehei says:
    April 13, 2018 at 9:35 am

    Thank you grandpa for all the times we went fishing and teaching me to appreciate and love nature. I will always remember you claiming the fish finder wasn’t ‘cheating’ but just saving time… and having a good chuckle! I raise a toast to you! Rest In Peace!

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  • Susan saunby says:
    September 28, 2018 at 7:26 pm

    So sorry to hear if uncle Garth’s passing. Mom and I were just sitting here talking about all the family and the wonderful times . Thinking of you. Aunt marg and susan

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