James Nisbet "Jim" Saunders

James Nisbet 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