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KENNETH FREDERICK SAUNDERS
Born: Jan 25, 1939
Date of Passing: Mar 05, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKENNETH FREDERICK SAUNDERS
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth Frederick Saunders on Wednesday March 5, 2025, at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Tina Saunders. Mourning his loss are his wife of 66 years Elsie; sister Betty Riske; sons, Kevin (Kim) and Kirby; daughter Kelly (Will); and grandchildren, Karli, Kory, Hunter, and Taylor.
Ken was born on January 25, 1939, in Winnipeg, MB. With Ken’s father being stationed in the military in Europe for most of WWII, Ken did not meet his father until he was 5 years old. Ken grew up in the North End of Winnipeg where he enjoyed a large and extended family as well as many childhood friends, who remained his close friends through their later years.
Ken’s passion was hockey! Being drafted by the Montreal Canadians, he was able to turn it into a 6-year professional career starting in London, England with the Wembley Lions followed by stops in Minneapolis with the Millers, Port Huron with the Flags and finally Columbus with the Checkers. Moving back to Winnipeg after his hockey career, Ken found his true calling in sales. He started with National Drugs as a salesman and then moved on to Venus Esterbrook to sell pencils - “the best pencils ever made.” Faber Castell was next and he rapidly and progressively moved through the ranks of salesman, Western Canada sales manager and then vice president of sales and marketing for Canada (out of Toronto). Toronto was exciting and challenging, but Ken and Elsie missed Winnipeg. They moved back to Winnipeg where Ken continued to work for Faber Castell again as Western Canada Sales manager until his retirement.
Ken had many passions in his retirement and playing golf was one of them. A long-time member at Elmhurst GC and subsequently the Manitoba Seniors tour, Ken had 4 hole-in-ones in his lifetime! This was something he reminded his sons of frequently.
Ken also spent countless hours going to his grandsons’ hockey games, his granddaughters’ gymnastics competitions and dance recitals, and whatever other activities the grandchildren were involved in. Ken loved his grandchildren very much and spent as much time as he could with each of them. Ken also enjoyed watching the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers and Toronto Blue Jays on TV – a true sports guy to the end of his days.
Ken and Elsie had 66 wonderful years together. Between his employment and their personal trips, they travelled around the world. They finished their travels in later years with winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and then Mesa, Arizona. But Winnipeg was always the dear and beloved home base, and their family was always priority number one. Our dad lived a full life in his 86 years. He remained extremely proud of his north end Winnipeg and Ukrainian heritage to the end. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Per his request, there will be no formal service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2025
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Kevin, Kirby, and the entire Saunders family, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Mr. Saunders was just a great guy who was always very nice to me every time I’d see him. It was always great saying hello and having a quick chat with him, it was quick as there were usually many people lined up who wanted to get quick hello in too! A true North Ender who will be missed. Chris Cavell - Posted by: Chris Cavell (Family Friend) on: Mar 21, 2025
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A condolence to Ken Saunders and Family, our sad feelings when we hear of Ken's passing! A friend and special friends as a fellow Hockey Player with Ken in the early years. Our feelings of Sadness and Sorrow to you! Don and Marcia Shalley. - Posted by: Don and Marcia Shalley (Friends) on: Mar 17, 2025
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Please accept our warmest condolences - Posted by: Pecuh family (Frend) on: Mar 16, 2025
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Kevin, Your father was your guiding light. He was your biggest fan. Keep your memories of him with you forever. - Posted by: Norm Prokipchuk (Friend) on: Mar 16, 2025
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My condolences to Kevin and family ❤️❤️ - Posted by: John Corrigal (Friend) on: Mar 16, 2025
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Sincere condolences to the family - Posted by: Jeanette and Orest (friends) on: Mar 15, 2025
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Elsie & Family: We are so sorry to read about Ken’s passing. He was a great friend and neighbour when we lived on Killdaroch. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Pat & Judy Miller - Posted by: Pat Miller (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2025
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To the Saunders Family - We would like to send our condolences to Elsie and the family on Kenny’s passing. A great and fun guy to be around. Very good memories. Ron & Janet Hopkinson - Posted by: Ron & Janet Hopkinson (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2025
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Elsie and Family - We are sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Ken was always easy to talk to and had many funny stories. I think we still have some of the pencils he gave our children when our children were in school. I can remember when we had our Pine Ridge / Elmhurst golf matches with Ken, Nick Mickoski, Kevin, and myself. We had a lot of good golf and laughs for 4 hours. I still think Nick owes Kevin and myself 50 cents each. I know Kenny paid up for sure. Ken was a gentleman and so very proud of his Family. We are gonna miss him Yours truly The Cole Family - Posted by: Gord Cole and Family (friend) on: Mar 15, 2025
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AWWW, it is SOOO sad to see/hear of someone who (at one time) was a very good friend and (Hockey Coach) have now passed. Mr. Saunders was my hockey coach in my earlier childhood and the (BEST) coach I remember having and the memories are endless we played hockey at the Roberson rink (Right across from Mr. Saunders house) on MANY occasions, Coach Saunders would say (When we went to Robertson for hockey practice): "IF YOU WANT TO WIN THE NEXT GAME THEN WE HAVE TO PRACTICE HARD SO, PICK UP THE SHOVELS AND CLEAR THE RINK OFF SO WE CAN START PRACTICE-COME ON, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?" Coach Sanders built strong and happy hockey players out of us all and was hard on us at times BUT when that WIN came, it was worth it and THEN we all went to Dairy Queen in the Northgate Mall in the North End that Mr. Chalman owned his son Darryl was on the team as well and we had Cheese Burgers and Fries (FREE), now that, was a treat! Mr. Saunders was a FANTASTIC guy and friend and I am sorry to hear now of his passing and I would like to wish all the Saunders family my deepest condolences. R.I.P. Ken. Billy Elliott (Defenceman) - Posted by: Billy Elliott (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2025
