For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

SAUNDERS, Joseph Edward (Joe) - 76, Chester, died November 22, 2005, in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Toronto, Ont., he was a son of Evelyn (Worthing) (Saunders) Taylor, Meteghan Centre, and the late Walter Saunders. A son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to all who knew him. At age 18, Joe joined the Royal Canadian Navy, served on the aircraft carriers Magnificent and Bonaventure as a radio navigator with VX10 and VS 880/881 squadrons. Joe was active in base activities while living in Shearwater P.M.Q., as editor of the Naval Air Magazine, on the Hampton Gray School Board and as Chief Instructor at the Fleet Aircrew Training School. Joe retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, August 1970, to begin working for Canadian Gypsum, later for Shaw Brick Company, and then as Zone Controller with Emergency Measures Organization (N.S.) in Truro for 14 years. He was instrumental in bringing the Shoreham Village Senior Citizens Complex to Chester, was an active member of F.E. Butler Branch No. 44, Royal Canadian Legion, Chester, and honorary member of Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department. Following the diagnosis of terminal cancer on October 19, he spent two weeks at home enjoying visits with friends and family, reading e-mails, taking calls from ex-navy buddies and cards from old and new friends. Even though "Joe" was enduring pain and nausea, he always made his family and guests feel comfortable with his impending death. He was grateful to V.O.N., palliative care staff, and his family and good friends to be able to remain at home. Joe received wonderful care from the doctors and nurses at South Shore Regional Hospital before his death. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary (Hirtle); daughter, Susan; sons, John, Chester; Joseph "Joey", Toronto; grandchildren, Caitlin, Adrian, Nicole, and Sean; brothers, Bruce (Edith), Pictou; Earl (Faye), Centreville; Lawrence (Janet), Evan (Gail), Prince Edward Island; Russell (Marilyn), Metegan Centre; sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Baker, Wanda (Gordon) Prince, Bridgewater; Frances McDougall, Prince Rupert, B.C.; stepbrother, William (Chris) Taylor, Trenton; stepsister, June (Robert) Cootes, Mahone Bay; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Robert. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, November 26, in Chester United Baptist Church, Rev. Dan Green officiating. No flowers by request. Memorial donations may be made to Victorian Order of Nurses, Lunenburg County Branch, Palliative Care Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital, Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department or Shoreham Village Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, Chester (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 24 Nov 2005 / Researched by George Newbury)

Joseph's father, John Walter Saunders, and his brother, Earle Saunders also served in the RCN.

Ships served in:

HMCS MAGNIFICENT

HMCS BONAVENTURE