Obituary of Anthony F. Saunders

SAUNDERS, Anthony Franklin - 36, Edmonton, Alberta, formerly of Weston, Kings Co. The family are saddened to announce the passing of our son and brother in Edmonton, on Thursday, January 10, 2013, of natural causes. He was born in Berwick, Kings Co., on July 15, 1976 to Stephen and Janet (Sturk) Saunders of Weston.Anthony was a graduate of West Kings District High and Kingstec Community College, where he completed his first level machining. From there, he attended AMI (American Motorcycle Institute) Daytona, Fla., becoming a licensed Harley Davidson Mechanic. Anthony scored a perfect mark on his final exam, earning him the distinction of top student in his graduating class. Later, after moving to Alberta, he earned his certification as Journeyman Machinist from NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). During his years in Weston growing up, Anthony worked on the family farm; his preference was driving the tractor over physical labour. Other employment included Sawlor Fuels in Somerset, Progressive Machining and Cycle in Kentville as apprentice mechanic, and working for the family again operating mechanized forestry equipment for Valliside Forestry. Anthony moved to Alberta November of 2000. He worked for several large companies, including Cougar Tools, and his current employer The Rig Shop in Edmonton fabricating equipment for the oilfields. Anthony’s hobbies include Harley Davidson Motorcycles, having assembled several HD bikes besides repairs for many friends and customers. He has amassed many miles on the open highway both in Canada and the US. Hockey was a favourite sport growing up. Recently, Anthony had been collecting and refurbishing old stereo equipment and discovering a real value in "other peoples junk". He had a great love for animals, especially his ‘girls’, dachshunds Cleo and Bella, and three cats. Anthony has many friends in the Valley and in Alberta; to many he was known as Anton or Tony. He enjoyed a good conversation and catching up on news with his friends.Besides his parents, Anthony is survived by sisters, Vicki Coleman (Curt), Spruce View, Alta.; Adrienne Balsor (Justin), Weston; grandparents, Reg and Ellen Saunders, Centreville; Shirley Sturk, Morristown; nephews, Weston and Stratton Coleman, and Bronson Balsor. He was predeceased by grandfather, Edmund Sturk; aunt, Karen Saunders. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bryce Johnstone of DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service (902-538-8317). Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held, with Pastor Chad Clements officiating. All are welcome to attend a celebration of Anthony’s life will be held at the Berwick Heights Golf Club, 3060 Hwy 221, Weston, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory may be made to HART Animal Shelter, IWK Health Centre Foundation or charity of ones choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca