H. Robert "Bob" Saunders

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Harry Robert (Bob) Saunders at the Upper River Valley Hospital on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the age of 93. Born in Andover, NB on January 12, 1930, he was the son of the late Gordon and Eva (Ritchie) Saunders. He was predeceased by siblings Desta McDougall (Ronald), Mary Briggs (Eric) and Louise Stevens.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Alta (Wallace) Saunders and their five sons: Jeffrey (Coral) of Kingston, ON, Charles (Angela) of Florenceville-Bristol, NB, Todd (Sheri) of Bass River, NB, Tim (Judy) of Miramichi, NB and Andrew (Jill) of Florenceville-Bristol, NB. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Jenna Porter (Keith), Nicholas Saunders (Reba), Trevor Saunders (Skye), Adam Saunders (Natasha), Ashley Saunders, Sydney Saunders (Levi), Scott Saunders (Natasha), Stephanie Saunders (Chris), Hannah Saunders and Matthew Saunders; seven great grandchildren: Desirae, Harper, Presley, Edyn, Ayla, Charley, and Bentley; and his brother Jack Saunders (Dawn) and brother-in-law Rev Robert Stevens (Louise).

As a young boy Bob lived in Upper Kent until his family moved to Bath so that the children could attend High School. Bob graduated from Bath High School in 1948.
He began working at the Bank of Nova Scotia and then started his career in the grocery industry first delivering bread and pastries for Lane’s Bakery and then he and Alta opened Saunders General Store in May 1964 where they served the residents of the Florenceville area until January 12, 1976, when it was lost by fire. Bob retired in 1995 from Thomas Equipment at the age of 65 after 15 years. His special retirement project was the building of “Camp 66” on the shores of the Shiktehawk in Kenneth, NB.

Bob was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors or any new residents of Florenceville-Bristol. He was a proud member of the Faith Memorial United Church where he served as a Steward, an Elder and on the Building and Cemetery committees. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge.

Bob and his boys could be seen all around the village shoveling snow, trimming lawns, or cruising the streets on their Cub Cadet lawnmowers. He enjoyed curling, camping, fishing, hunting, reading, playing cards and watching his boys play sports. He did not miss a game or a chance to provide coaching tips to the boys all the way home!

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Marco, Dr. Anderson, the staff, and caregivers on 2-North at the Upper River Valley Hospital and his home care providers Kayla and Shelley.

Visitation will be Thursday February 9, 2023 from 1:00-2:30 pm followed by a service at L. R. Giberson Funeral Chapel, 207 Burnham Road at 3:00 pm. Rev. Susan Estabrooks will officiate. The funeral service will be live streamed and can be viewed on the L.R. Giberson Funeral Directors Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Church Community Cemetery fund, the Faith Memorial Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

An interment will be held at the United Church Community Cemetery, Maple St. at a later date.