Dr. George McKenna Saunders MD, FRCS ©, FACS The family of Dr. George Saunders sadly announce his passing on July 30th, 2008. Dr. Saunders died at home surrounded by his family. Dr. Saunders was born March 2nd, 1923 in the town of Pictou, the first child of George and Mary (Morse) Saunders. Shortly afterward the family moved to nearby Stellarton where George received his early education, graduating from Stellarton High School. In 1942 George began his medical studies at Dalhousie University and graduated in 1947. After his graduation he completed post-graduate work in surgery in Halifax at the Victoria General and Camp Hill hospitals and later in Boston, Mass. At the Lahey Clinic. After his post-graduate studies, Dr. Saunders successfully completed his fellowship exams and became a 'fellow' of the Royal College of Surgeons (Canada) FRCS (C) (1951) and later the American College of Surgeons FACS. Dr. Saunders practiced briefly in Sackville, NB before settling in Amherst, NS where he practiced from 1953 to retirement from surgery in 1987. During his career he earned the admiration of his community, colleagues, patients and hospital staff. He not only excelled in his chosen profession, he also became very involved as a leader within the governance of the medical community both locally and provincially. Dr. Saunders was a member of the Board of Trustees, Chief of Surgery and Chief of the Medical staff of the Highland View Regional Hospital. He retired from the staff of HVRH in 1992. He was made an Honourary Member of the Highland View Regional Hospital Medical Staff on February 23rd, 1993. Dr. Saunders' passion for medicine extended beyond his retirement when he actively took part in the community 'Above and Beyond' campaign to construct the new Cumberland County Regional Health Care Centre. Provincially, Dr. Saunders was a life member of the Nova Scotia Medical Society, two term President of the Society, 1966/1967 and 1967/1968 and later Chairman of the Provincial Medical Board. It is Dr. Saunders' signature as President of the Medical Society which endorsed the agreement between the Society and the government of Nova Scotia which brought Medicare to Nova Scotia. In appreciation of his years of service and dedication to medicine in Nova Scotia, Dr. Saunders was bestowed Honourary Memberships in the Nova Scotia Medical Society and the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Saunders' dedication went far beyond his passion for medicine as his community was also important to him. Early after his arrival to Amherst he joined the Amherst Rotary Club and in the years following served on every committee and chaired many of them. He gave outstanding service, particularly to the capital Projects committee, the Crippled Children's Committee, the Disabled Persons Committee, the Ways and Means Committee and the Radio Auction Committee. He held each executive position, including President. At the time of his passing, Dr. Saunders was the longest living member of this organization. The club honoured him with the Distinguished Service award in recognition of his service to the Rotary Club and our community. In the early sixties, Dr. Saunders was persuaded by a friend to learn to play the clarinet. As with most things he did, he enthusiastically accepted the challenge and joined the Amherst Concert Band and became its president. In addition, Dr. Saunders was a Past President of the Amherst branch of the Canadian Cancer Society, a Past President of the Amherst YMCA, a past chairman of the Amherst YMCA Building Fund, a Past President of the Amherst Fish and Game Association and a Past Member of the Amherst Area Industrial Commission. Relaxation for Dr. Saunders encompassed a spectrum of activities which defined his broad interest. Some of these included fishing salmon on the Miramichi or St. Mary's rivers, or mackerel at Cold Spring Head, or fishing trout with his sons in some Cumberland County brook . . . not many trout caught but great memories of an afternoon out with 'Dad'. The fall of the year would find him hunting pheasant on the Maccan marshes. Saturday nights were 'bridge nights' with neighbourhood friends. Dr. Saunders was an ardent golfer, being a member, Director and Past President of the Amherst Golf Club. He was a playing member, director and Honourary Life Member of the Maritime Seniors' Golf Association. He had one hole-in-one to his credit. Travel allowed George to recharge himself, whether to southern climes or Europe, but always with Emily at his side. Their last trip was a river cruise in Russia. Since retirement George and Emily have spent their winters in Florida. Gardening, cross-country skiing and photography filled in his 'spare' time. Dr. Saunders is survived by his wife and best friend of sixty years, Emily, and their children George of Amherst, Bruce (Diana) of Fall River, NS, Dr. David of Gainsville, Florida and Joan (Alan) Gibson of Truro, NS. He is also survived by ten grandchildren . . . Dr. Neil (Sarah), Atlanta, Georgia, Paul, Salt Lake City, Utah, Claire, Portsmouth, England, George V, Amherst, Sarah, Turkey, Alexander, Angus and Andrew Gibson, Truro, AJ (Scott), Truro and Celine, Ottawa and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother James (Jean) and a sister Estelle, all of Truro and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a great-grand-daughter, Ashley. The family of Dr. Saunders would like to thank the RN's, LPN's, PCW's from the VON and Continuing Care for their support and attentiveness which made Dad's last few weeks comfortable and dying at home possible. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the many organizations Dr. Saunders was associated with. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Furlong~Jones Funeral Chapel, 68 Church St, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777) on Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 at two o'clock. Reception to follow. There will be no visitation. www.furlongjones.ca