Obituary of Ross Milborne Saunders

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ross Saunders, just a week into his 96th year on April 15, 2022 at the Greater Niagara General Hospital surrounded by his five loving daughters and one of his sons-in-law. Ross is survived by his devoted wife Sharon (nee Gibson) Storin, his loving children: Beverly, Barbara (Andy Timony), Helen (Yves Laliberté), Colleen Richardson and Kelly, his step-children: Bill, Allan (Diwah), David (Modesta), and Terry (Christine) Vernon, Janice (John Laurin) and Ronald (Mary Catherine) Storin, his cherished grandchildren: Brandon Bowey, Catherine Timony (Rob Gackstetter), Dawna Timony (Allen Wales), Carey Timony (Axel Von Scheunemann), Christena Timony (Carl Hunda), Mark and Shannon Laliberté, Daryl and Adam Richardson, his adored great-grandchildren: Amy, Nicholas, Sam, Hannah and Nolan as well as many other step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Ross also leaves behind sister-in-law Shirley Coons, brothers-in-law Freeman Acres (Carole), Harold Gibson (Natalie), Dale Gibson (Bonnie) and their families, several first cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends. Ross was greeted on the other side by his parents, Roy and Kathleen, his first wife and the mother of his children, Eileen Acres (1997), his brother Leonard (2017) and his step-son Mark Vernon (2016).

Ross was born in 1927 in Osgoode Township. He was born into a farming community but left to find steady employment in Sudbury when he started raising a family. He worked for INCO for 30 years, sometimes on the surface, but mostly underground. He was proud to say that he had been retired for longer than he had worked. As a young retiree, Ross joined the Valley East Lions Club. Working with the Lions Club gave Ross both a sense of purpose and a social connection to the community. Both he and Eileen continued working with the Lions Club after they moved to Mattawa, and later, with Sharon, to Niagara Falls. He was a Lion for nearly 30 years contributing in every aspect, even at the executive level as Regional Chair.

He was a loving, supportive and patient husband to both his first and second wife. He took great care of Eileen and his parents before their passing. Ross enjoyed hunting and fishing in Northern Ontario with his friends. Sometimes they would go to a local lake and at other times they would fly to remote locations. He was always grateful for an escape from working underground. He enjoyed playing euchre with his many card-playing friends in the Niagara Region and playing cribbage, especially with his brother, Leonard. Coming from a farming background, Ross had a garden everywhere he lived. In Val Caron, Ontario his potatoes kept his family fed throughout the winter months. Raspberries and rhubarb were other staples in the Saunders Garden. He was a strict father, as any father of five would be, and he was proud of each one of his girls. He had a great sense of humour and was a true family man. He loved spending time with his family. They always came first.

In keeping with Ross's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905 354 2133). An interment will take place at a later date where Ross will rest with Eileen in Springhill Cemetery, Metcalfe, Ontario. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the nursing staff of Unit C on the 1st Floor at the Greater Niagara General Hospital especially Sylvia, Mariah, Ashley and Stephanie, and to Nurse-Practioner Alex of the Palliative Care Unit. If desired, donations may be made to The Greater Niagara General Hospital at Niagara Health Foundation, The Canadian Cancer Society or to the Valley East Lions Club 14715 - District A 5.