Obituary of Wilbert Daniel Basil Saunders

February 1, 1931 – Trochu, Alberta

May 30, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Wilbert Daniel Basil Saunders of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

William and Olivina Saunders welcomed Bert on February 1, 1931, in the town of Trochu, where he was born. Bert lived with his family in Didsbury, where he started his education at The Stewart School. The family moved on to Sylvan Lake and Bert completed his high school in Red Deer at St. Joseph’s Convent and later attended Olds College, pursuing Agriculture.

Bert’s love of farming took him to Drumheller where he worked for his cousin Frank Doyle on his farm. Farming was going to be put on hold until many years later, and the middle chapters were filled with the grocery industry. Bert and Florence moved to Calgary and Bert worked for Consolidated Grocers, Canada Safeway, Calgary CO-OP, and a short stint with London Life Insurance.

In 1974, Bert and Florence ventured out and purchased their first grocery store in Beiseker, and later moved to High River, Rockyford, and eventually making it full circle back to Beiseker. Bert and Florence were instrumental in the planning of St. Michael Church in the 1960s. Their faith has always been a priority for themselves, their family, and their community. Bert and Florence enjoyed their vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Florida, as well as the many camping RVing trips as snowbirds in Arizona.

Bert loved to golf, and play pool with his family and friends, and he even played hockey into his 70s. In his retirement years, Bert got back to the real love of his life, which was farming by helping out his family.

Bert is survived by his children, Rosalyn Rosenthal (Leo), Theresa Schwartz (Mark), Greg Saunders (Allison), Michelle Hagstrom (Kelly), Frances Hagel (Lyle), and Susan Saunders. Bert was loved by his grandchildren, Patrice (Kevin), Shannon (Daryl), Tanya (Chance), Kathryn, Lauren (Tim), Leanne (Charles), Cody, Chantel (Derek), Madison (Ashley), Colton (Holly), Brittany (Andrew), Alissa (Evan), Amanda (Garrett), and Riley. Bert adored his great-grandchildren, Rylan, Mason, Nathan, Gabriel, Paytin, Lincoln, Wyatt, Londyn, Stetson, Rome, Sloane, Brixton, Kinsley, Orin, Miles, and Weston. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Marion Saunders and brother-in-law Mike Harrigan.

Bert was predeceased by the love of his life, Florence, his parents, William and Olivina; his brothers, Bill and George; an infant sister, his sister-in-law Margaret, and his grandson Rick Hagel.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 – 85th Street SW, Calgary AB T3H 4C7) on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bert’s family here.

In living memory of Bert Saunders, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.