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Pa, you were a true force of nature in every sense of the word. I could not imagine a childhood without you and all of the incredible experiences, stories and adventures you shared with me growing up. An excellent businessman and a friend to many, you were always there for those closest to you. I am so fortunate to have spent so many years with an amazing storyteller and look up to you with a sense of wonder and bewilderment. I'll never forget our fishing trips, the many many many card games or the amazing food that was always synonymous of being in your presence. Your departure leaves a giant hole in our hearts but we will never forget all that you have done to everyone you held near. Your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were all lucky to have you in their lives. You are missed and loved by all who knew you and we are so grateful for the time we had together.
Love,
Chris and Élyssa Saunders
Dad, oh how I miss you. You created me. You raised me. You guided me. You inspired me. I am so fortunate to have had you in my life at every step. Rest now, you are forever lovingly remembered. David
My Grandpa loved life. He never needed a lot; he loved simple, universal things. He loved being in nature, especially walking, and he loved his family. Although I know that his life had many challenges and hard times, what I saw was a person who lived with grace and ease, unafraid and openhearted. His self-assuredness, and complete comfort around other people (and animals) are some of the parts of him that impressed me the most. If there can be only one thing I strive to emulate about his way of being I think it will simply be his openhearted attitude toward life. I think to Pa, everything and everyone was special.
What I remember from when I was really little is mostly feelings and snapshots of experiences. His smile was simultaneously full of love and mischief, and made me feel so warm. I’d roll my eyes and smile every time he called me his “favourite granddaughter”, because of course he had no choice, but I know it was his way of saying he loved me.
When we visited Grammie and Grandpa on the farm in Falmouth as kids, Grandpa would take us on a tractor ride to get a load of sand from some unknown-to-me place and bring it to the house. It was a giant pile, just for me and Brad. I remember him introducing me to the cows, telling me their names, which one was his favourite, and letting me name 3 of the calves (Pinky, Blacky, and Brownie, based on their nose colours – I was extremely creative even then LOL).
One Christmas, Grammie and Grandpa came to visit us. At the time they were working as real estate agents. I remember because they each gave me one of their business cards, which were glossy and had colour photos of each of them. Those cards were special to me, and I still have them in a box of mementos. I remember holding his business card and announcing that he was the most handsome Grandpa, to which my Papa jokingly said something like “Hey! What about me?!”, and I said “What? You’re the most handsome Papa!”. I always felt so proud of my grandparents, and always thought they were so handsome and beautiful. I remember that Grammie had this pink silky blouse when I was a little kid that she may have brought to our place on that trip (I do remember it hanging in our closet at some point), and I thought she was so elegant and glamorous.
When Grammie and Grandpa lived in Second Peninsula, the thing I remember most is going on boat rides. When I was big enough, I was allowed to ride on the front of the boat with my Aunt Josée, and that was such a thrill! I’d go with Grandpa on walks down the road, and at least once we saw deer (I think there were a lot of deer around there, so it was probably no big deal to him but it was really unusual to me). If I remember correctly, there was a pebbly beach at the end of the road, and when Brian and I were dating he took us there and we went in the water. It was frigid! We saw little crabs and Grandpa told us what kind they were. It never occurred to me to wonder how he would know what kind they were, because of course he would know. He always knew things if they were worth knowing.
Brian and I got married in Pictou, where Grammie and Pa had moved. We have so many stories from that time, but one that stands out is how Pa was in charge of the weather. From the time I was a little kid, the weather in Nova Scotia was always a funny topic, with Grammie and Pa insisting that the weather was always lovely, except of course for whenever we were visiting! We hoped to get married outdoors, so naturally it rained every day for a week leading up to our wedding. Every morning, Pa would print out a screenshot of the weather forecast and stick it on their fridge, assuring us that it would be a sunny day on Saturday. Against all odds, he was right! Our wedding day was the ONE sunny day in 2 straight weeks of rain. And it wasn’t just a little bit sunny, it was gloriously sunny. I still have the weather printout from that morning. He’s the only person I know who would take on the weather!
Pa met Evelyn (named after his mother) when she was about 8 months old. We have the most beautiful photos of him holding her, kissing her cheek, and of both of them looking at the camera with the same sparkly blue eyes. I see him still in her eyes.
In 2016, Gigi and Pa came to visit us shortly after Violet was born. Pa sat and held her for a long time and she contentedly slept in his arms while I sat beside him. After awhile, my side started to feel extra warm and also wet. I looked down and Violet’s diaper had leaked ALL OVER both of our laps! As he did when people started fussing about things (“let me stain treat your shorts!”), he just made a joke and dried himself off. Then he told a favourite story about the time one of their cats had kittens in his lap. He was very practical and wasn’t a person who fussed about anything, he just accepted experiences as they came.
I’ll forever be grateful that we got to visit Gigi and Pa last summer. Evie and Violet got to know their great-grandfather, which is a privilege most people are denied. I got to have my Pa with me on this Earth for almost 44 years, and to hear his stories as an adult, for which I am grateful beyond measure. I’ll miss him always, but I have decades of memories and stories that make me smile. He lived life to the absolute fullest, and there probably isn’t anything he’d like more than for all of us to do the same. I love you forever and ever Grandpa.
So sorry to hear about Bruce. He was a lovely man who had time for everyone. It was a delight to have a conversation with Bruce. He was a very knowledgable and thoughtful man who shared his opinions and experiences but was also a great listener. We would have loved to have had more time with Bruce and the rest of the family. I know that my Dad had huge respect for him and treasured the memories of their conversations. We are thinking and praying with you Edith and are so pleased that you have David, Michael and Debbie for support.
Chris, Pat and Frances x
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