Obituary of Bruce Norman Saunders

SAUNDERS, Bruce Norman

Age 91, of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, passed away on February 20, 2024.

Bruce’s earthly adventure has ended after 91 great years. Bruce was born in Halifax on December 7, 1932 to Evelyn and Walter Saunders. He was married and devoted to the love of his life, Edith, for nearly 70 years. Bruce was a larger than life character, a kind and generous man who was enriched by the company of family and friends. He was a great cook, loved to play cards, solve crossword puzzles, grow vegetables in his garden and take long walks outdoors. Bruce loved country music, going to bluegrass festivals and enjoyed a good game of shuffleboard. His sharp wit, charm and sense of humour made him a great storyteller.

Bruce inspired family and friends with his work ethic and career accomplishments. He began his career as a banker with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Liverpool and then transferred to Montreal, with Edith, a bank teller, joining him a year later. While working at the bank branch, he witnessed Edith being held up by an armed robber. He pursued the fleeing robber on foot until the bandit was captured by a passing police officer, and was named an honorary member of the Montreal police department for his bravery. Bruce then worked as a stockbroker, with certification to trade on all North American exchange markets. His expertise and knowledge of financial markets was a passion that never faded. In 1975 he and Edith left city life to return to their Nova Scotia roots and purchased a cattle farm in Upper Falmouth. While working the farm he was elected and served terms as a municipal councillor for West Hants, and chair of the West Hants school board. After farming for 10 years, Bruce and Edith moved to the Lunenburg area, he got his real estate license and managed the Homelife Pat King offices in Bridgewater and Windsor. He was a board director of Kings Mutual Insurance Company in charge of investments and served as president of the company.

In retirement, Bruce and Edith divided their time between their Pictou County home and their RV in Florida. Bruce enjoyed cooking breakfasts for the campground residents and was a popular chef specializing in pig roasts. Bruce and Edith later moved back to the Valley, living for 8 years in a home on the Manning property in Windsor, then settling in Wolfville where Bruce was often recognized chatting with and regaling locals and visitors on Wolfville’s streets and walking trails.

Bruce will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Edith; his children, David (Cathy), Michael (Josee), Debra (Charlene); grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian), Bradley (Elisabeth), Michael (Amy), Christopher (Elyssa) and Kevin; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Oliver, Evelyn, Cloverlyn, Violet, Findlay and Lucy; sister, Frances; brothers, Earle, Lawrence and Russell; his Aunt Vi Swinamer in Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Walter Saunders, brothers and sisters, Walter, Dorothy, Joseph, Wanda and Evan.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A celebration of life will be held at a later date and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Feed Nova Scotia, 67 Wright Ave., Dartmouth, NS B3B 1H2 (902-457-1900) or a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca

When tomorrow comes without me

Do not think we’re far apart

For every time you think of me

I am right there in your hearts.