Obituary of Sherman Saunders

Sherman Otis Saunders, 79, fell asleep in death at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. In his later years, Sherman coped courageously and with dignity with a long-term illness. Born in Prince William, Sherman was the son of Walter and Anna (Brewer) Saunders. He was the loving husband of Helen (Smart) Saunders. The couple would have marked 60 years of marriage in June. Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver Helen; sister Donna (Ralph) Scott of Florida; his brother Terry (Alvina) Saunders of Harvey; two aunts, Doris Piercy and Mary Hood; nieces and nephews. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Sherman’s greatest joy was working alongside his wife in their Bible education work. After their marriage in New Brunswick in 1957, the couple spent 20 years as full-time volunteer ministers in Quebec where they embraced the French language to teach Bible truths to their students. They continued their ministry work in Calgary and later in Winnipeg where they made many new and lasting friendships. In 1997, they returned to New Brunswick to assist Sherman’s elderly parents and Sherman served as an elder in the Odell Park congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for many years. Sherman and Helen’s life together was filled with warmth, hospitality and a dedication to serving their Creator. To Sherman’s friends, his outstanding qualities were his trustworthiness, patience, mildness and wisdom. He was a fatherly figure -- kind, unflappable and utterly dependable. His sense of humour could be best described as dry but with a twinkle in his eye. It would be Sherman’s wish that his friends learn and put faith in the wonderful hope that Revelation 21:4 holds out for a future resurrection of the dead and life in a paradise earth. It was his belief that this will be accomplished by means of God’s Kingdom. A memorial service for Sherman will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1045 St. Mary’s Street, Fredericton with Mr. Douglas Overbo officiating. Floral remembrances are welcomed, but for those who wish to make a donation in memory of Sherman, the family has asked it be directed to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, medical and nursing personnel who supported Sherman during his illness. York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, is caring for arrangements. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com