Stephen Roger Saunders

SAUNDERS, Stephen Roger It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Roger Saunders (59) of Bible Hill, NS. At his request, that he made explicitly clear to all that knew him, he didn’t want a sad obituary or traditional funeral so that’s what we are going to do, starting with this letter. To the man who lived life to the fullest. From sky diving, to rolling inside a tractor tire, he was a kid at heart. He consistently was the life of the party and would be happy to tell you just that. Growing up in Bible Hill and remaining in the Truro, Onslow Mountain area for the majority of his life, he had a million stories that he was more than willing to share from his glory days. However, his proudest achievement, if you asked him, would be his kids, Regan (Dartmouth), Hailey and Michael (Ainslie Glen), Payson (Edmonton), Calder and Brooke (Belmont); were his favorite topic. From their latest antics or successes, it wasn’t uncommon to hear “oh, you’re the child that did...” as you were being introduced to someone for the first time. Stephen was part of a large family. He was the youngest (and the most handsome he would tell you) of his brothers, Lee, John, Ken, Sach, and Donnie. Dad will now be joining John and Sach and we can’t imagine the havoc they will start up there. Stephen had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family members of all sorts. There was always a story about a cousin, a niece/nephew, or a friend to be told because his friends and his entire family meant the world to him. A special thank you to all of the wonderful people who took on a caregiver role. From every doctor, nurse, family member or friend who ensured dad never felt alone. He was the man that would sit with you if you looked a little down and out or would always pull over for the broken-down car on the highway (even if it was going to make his kids late for soccer practice). He wasn’t one to preach but he led by example. He leaves behind a legacy to help your neighbor, treat everyone with respect (until they give you a reason not to), and mostly, never take life too seriously. Stephen hated the term “celebration of life” but has opted for a party instead. As a family, we have decided to do just that. He loved being the guy that his kids still wanted to have a beer with on a Friday night. So, come have a drink (Schooner preferred) at dad’s favorite hangout spot, the Truro Horseman’s Club on the evening of October 25 at 6 p.m. to remember the man with the humungous smile and terrible dance moves. Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com