Charles Edmund "Ed" Saunders

July 29, 1924  -  December 28, 2017

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Saunders- Trooper Charles Edmund “Ed” Saunders, lifetime farmer and resident of Holland Township, passed peacefully on December 28, 2017 at Markdale Hospital, in his 94th year. At rest now with his dear wife of 66 years, Eleanor (nee Lemon), who predeceased him in 2013. Ed is the son of the late Charles and Lavina Saunders of Walter's Falls. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Bruce Saunders (Marg), Brian Saunders, Lois McCulloch (Gary), and Lorie Smith (David). Sorely missed by 9 grandchildren: Kim, Stacy, Jay, Matthew, Steven, Jackie, Jeff, Holly and Greg,  and 15 great-grandchildren: Emily, Cameron, Sydney, Cory, Graeme, Adam, Brooklynn, Claire, Jordan, Mikayla, Emmett, Delaney, Darcie, Ella, and Maisie. Ed is survived by his sisters-in law, Anne Fairfax and Betty Saunders. Predeceased by nine siblings: Violet (Alec) Caudel, Rose (Gordon) Rydall, Irene (Ivan) McClure, Fred (Myrtle) Saunders, Marguerite (Albert) Bowes, Frank (Ruby) Saunders, Grace (Howard) King, Kay (Mac) Gower, and Willard Saunders, grandson Michael, and daughter-in-law Cheryl.

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Ed was born the ninth of ten children, into a third generation of farmers. At the young age of 18, on August 10, 1942, Ed volunteered with the 1st Canadian Army as part of the 28th Cdn. Armoured Regiment, British Columbia Regiment. He toured through France, Belgium, Holland, and into Germany; heading up the coast. Ed was proud to serve his country as a loader operator, and was discharged February 18, 1946. Ed returned to the family farm, and quickly married his dear Eleanor; together they raised four children. Ed always considered himself a steward of the land, and was a progressive farmer; he believed that “if you're not going forwards, you're going backwards”. Veterans Affairs agreed with Ed's philosophy and with their support, he and Eleanor made the jump to a larger farm, with flatter land, better soil, a bigger house and the opportunity to expand. The new dairy farm was 200 acres and in no time, it expanded greatly from there; after all, in Ed's words, “ You have to spend money to make money”. Even after a tornado destroyed their barn in 1996, it was rebuilt bigger and better. In addition to  farming, Ed worked for Austin Ramage, driving a truck, and part-time for Hallman Lumber. He and Eleanor were active members of their community; serving as stewards for the 10th Line Church and eventually Walter's Falls United Church, specifically responsible for the accounting. Eleanor was ever present at his side and when she became ill in 2011, Ed took on a new role as caregiver. He lovingly took care of her; assuming both of their responsibilities, including learning to cook. He was an incredible man, compassionate, “small in stature but big in heart.” Cherished by his family, Ed was referred to as the Comfy Armrest. He would often be found playing on the floor, lovingly with the grandchildren. When Ed turned 65, he insisted on “no old mans presents”, so his children bought him a kite, stomp rocket, steam engine and other toys. In his younger years, he played soccer and enjoyed the annual deer hunting season, cherishing the camaraderie of friends. In quiet times, he loved to read anything about Canada's north, camping at Sunny Valley Wildlife Park, watching the Maple Leafs, wood carving, and meticulously cutting his grass. He will be dearly missed by all whose hearts he touched.

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Visitation will be held at the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth, on Saturday December 30, 2017, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A funeral service for Ed Saunders will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday December 31, at 3:00 pm, with a visitation one hour prior; Pastor Rosanne Judge officiating. Spring interment in Walter’s Falls Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Markdale Hospital or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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