November 9, 1941 - December 13, 2024
In loving memory ~
DENNIS SAUNDERS, Beloved Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many, died peacefully on December 13, 2024, in Fernie, British Columbia, at the age of 83. He was born in Bolden Colliery, England on November 9, 1941.
Dennis's memory will live on through the loved ones he leaves behind: his wife Bridie and their grandchildren; Holly, Connor and Parker Saunders; his great granddaughter, Josie; daughter-in-law, Darla; sister, Marlene Simpson; brother, William Saunders, and many extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his sons Lee Saunders in 1993 and Ian Saunders in 2016. Also gone before him are his parents Albert and Gladys Saunders and brother Bryan Saunders.
A young and handsome Dennis stole the heart of Bridget Moan, and the couple married in 1962. Six years later they welcomed their first-born son Ian and not long after their second son Lee, their little family was complete. Dennis was a devoted family man, and he treasured time with his boys. They were regulars at the local pool and were often out kicking around the football. Dennis had strong ties to his extended family and his home country, but he also longed for something more and moved the family to the United States for a short while then became homesick and returned to England. Later they immigrated permanently to Canada in 1974 and Fernie became their home. Dennis loved having relatives and friends come to stay with them and was proud to share with them some of the beautiful areas around BC and Alberta.
At the age of 15 and fresh out of school, Dennis started underground mining in 1957. He always had a strong work ethic and quickly became a valued member of the crew. His mining career continued in Canada where he worked his way to fireboss, then in 1985 started surface mining as a supervisor and later as a dispatcher until he retired in 2006, concluding his 49-year career in mining. Throughout his career he was a go-to-guy who had the trust and respect of everyone he worked with. He served on the mine rescue team for several years, eventually becoming captain and leading his team to win three zone championships and two provincial titles, as well as qualifying to compete in the 1982 world championships.
Growing up Dennis was an avid sportsman playing cricket and English football. As an adult he continued to play and referee for the Fernie United soccer team as well as learning to ski and golf. He enjoyed many afternoons on the slopes with his sons and was a long-standing member of the Fernie Golf Club. A round of golf with his grandchildren was always a favourite and he continued to play into his 80's. He fell in love with Canadian Hockey and spent countless hours at the arena watching his boys play and was a regular at the Fernie Ghostrider games.
A kindhearted, generous man, Dennis was always there if someone needed him, and he was never too busy to lend a helping hand. He often spent his spare time shoveling a neighbor's driveway or assisting someone with household repairs. Even in his later years he was regularly seen driving his John deer up the street to cut someone's lawn. Above all else Family and friends is what truly mattered to Dennis. He appreciated the simple things like a shared meal, or cup of coffee and just time spent with the ones he loved. He genuinely cared about all the little details of their lives and was always there to listen, encourage, and support them.
His big heart and warm welcoming smile will be dearly missed by all those who loved him.
The Saunders family would like to thank the Elk Valley Hospital, Rocky Mountain Village and Fernie Ambulance for the wonderful care given to Dennis.
Memories & condolences can be shared at cherishedfernie@gmail.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.