George David Saunders of Marysville (Fredericton), NB, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on November 2, 2010. Born in Marysville, N.B., February 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Myles and Lois (Clark) Saunders. George is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley (Mitchell), his step-mother Lillian Saunders, his five children; Corinne Hersey, Michael Saunders (Diane), Karen Ingersoll (Doug), Shelley Ricker (Greg), and Brenda Nicholls (Kris); twelve grandchildren: Joel Hersey, Jennie Hersey, Lindsay Saunders, Christopher Saunders, Justin Saunders, Brent Ingersoll, Shea Guptill, Jeff Ingersoll, Shawn Ricker, Evan Ricker, Myles Nicholls, and James Nicholls; six great grandchildren: Jacob Saunders, Emma Szerlag, Mackenzie Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Ava Ingersoll, and Aden Ingersoll; step-sister Brenda McLaughlin (Bud) and step-brother Randy Moore (Leigh). George lived a most devoted life to his God, his family, his friends and his community. He was very active in his church, Olivet Wesleyan, where he served for many years as board member and trustee, and in recent years was involved in the organization of Operation Christmas Child Distribution Centre. George loved his life-long community of Marysville and in recent years has become a well-known and respected historian for his research on Boss Gibson, the Cotton Mill and the Town of Marysville. Early in his life he served for 3 years on the Marysville Police Force and served as Town Councillor for several years. Throughout his life he worked at Marysville Cotton Mills, Lounsbury Equipment, and Barker Equipment, before starting his own business Saunders Equipment, from 1974-1992, when he retired. He owned and operated East Side Grocery in Marysville; as well as built and operated Saunders Farms Horse Stables. He was very involved in the development of the local Community Health Centre, now known as Gibson Health Clinic, and most recently a member of the Marysville Heritage Committee.
George believed in giving back and when he was feeling well, he volunteered in the Oncology Unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital where he always greeted patients with a smile and sense of hope. Most of all, George loved his family. There was no doubting his love, devotion and passion for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had many animals and loved them all, but mostly his Yellow Lab(s), Blondie (all of them). He also loved the outdoors, boating, fishing, hunting, “the Camp” in Penniac, and his red tractor, that you would find him using to clear the driveways for many neighbours. He also enjoyed spending time at Beulah Camp where he would enjoy the company of family and friends. George will be sadly and greatly missed by his family and friends to whom he was father, friend, advisor, supporter, and encourager.
Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home on Thursday, November 4, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of George’s life will be held at Crosspoint Wesleyan Church (formerly Olivet) on Friday, November 5, 2010, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Olivet Cemetery. The family would like to express their deepest, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tom Barry, and to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Oncology and Palliative Care Unit at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH). For those who wish, donations in George’s memory can be made to the Oncology Department or the Palliative Care Unit at the DECRH, or the donors’ choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com