Obituary of Robert Sanderson

Robert Sanderson With deep sadness, the family of Robert David Sanderson, born January 30, 1923, announces his passing on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Bob was the son of David and Lottie Sanderson (nee Couke), the always loving and much loved husband for 73 years of Marjorie Isabel Sanderson (nee Joiner), the proud father of David (Linda) and Mary Anne (Peter), the proud grandfather of Jenny (Drew), Robbie (Hillary), Will (Lindsey), Annie (Spenser) and the great grandfather of Lyla, Liam, Paul and Isabel. Bob was gentle yet strong, quietly intelligent, kind, decent and loyal. To his family, he was the model of an honourable man. He was a true friend. He loved airplanes, flying, and especially his own favourite aircraft, call-sign CF BOB. He was proud to be a veteran officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force, having served as a flight instructor of many Commonwealth pilots during World War II in Canada. After the war, he graduated from the University of Guelph, worked , for two years, with the Department of Agriculture in Oakville and London, and then, for 31 years, as the Manager of Agriculture of the HJ Heinz Company of Canada in Leamington, Ontario. He served as a member, then chairman of the Essex County School Board, as a Sunday School Superintendent, and also as a member of the Ontario Farmers Aid and Assistance Board. After his retirement, he and Isabel spent many happy years in London, Ontario, summers at their cottage in Midland, winters in Florida, and travelling the world. Despite diminishing eyesight and increasing blindness after 1997, Bob never complained, continuing to widely “read” using talking books, thanks to the CNIB. Bob spent his last year at Parkwood Hospital. Members of his family wish to express their heartfelt thanks for the excellent and loving care provided to him there. The family also wishes to thank friends and neighbours for their support. Friends may call at the McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Road, South, London, 519-652-2020 on Thursday from 7-9 pm where the celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11 am. A Masonic memorial service, under the auspices of Ashlar Lodge #610, Byron will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. Donations to the Lambeth United Church or the CNIB gratefully acknowledged. On-line condolences are available through www.mcfarlane-roberts.ca.