Obituary for Douglas (Doug) Lee Saunders

1948 - December 1, 2017

Doug Saunders of Toronto, passed away on December 1st, 2017 age 69. Doug was the loving son of Do and the late Les Saunders (2003). He was the cherished brother of Dennis (Sylvie), Dale (Dorothy) , Patti (Bob), Lesley, and Ali (Bradley). Doug was the Director of Music at St John’s Anglican Church for over 30 years and retired elementary teacher in the GTA. He had a strong personal faith in God.

Doug was a calm and caring person who gave of himself to all. A gentle man with a giant presence, he had a kind and magnanimous heart and great love of people. Doug expressed his spiritualism and love by sharing his music through choir, organ and musical direction. His spiritual home included the parishes of Saint John's Anglican Willowdale, Saint Thomas's Anglican, The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint Metthias and Saint Chad's. He saw beauty in all things - art, nature, architecture and the performing arts. He valued many things from the simple to grand pageantry. A man of education (including Masters of Divinity UofT) and lifelong learner, he was insatiably curious about all things. He was generous with gifts, his time, and capacity to listen. Nobody who knew him wondered if they were loved. He was very proud of past experiences that included jobs like trainman, labourer, and beekeeper (with Uncle Charlie). Doug was a wonderful friend, counselor, brother and adviser who showed his love until his last days.

Doug had many nieces and nephews and God Children; Darryl (Sarah), Gavan and Kristi Saunders, Stevey, Riley and Damon McLeod, Craig, Rikki, Jamie and Will Banks, Jacob, Kyron and Cayden Saunders, Mike Pallister, Alex Murray, Grace Lee, Rachel Read, Lawrence, and Adrien Ang.

Visitation was held on Friday December 8th, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday December 9th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m at St. John’s Anglican Church Willowdale, 1087 Lillian St, North York with reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date.

For condolences, donations and further information visit the R.S.Kane Funeral Home

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14.