Obituary of Stephen Thomas Sanderson
It is with profound sadness that family announce the death of Stephen Thomas Sanderson at the Saint John Regional Hospital on December 12, 2021 with his loving wife Nancy at his side.
Along with his beloved wife of 33 years Steve will be dearly missed by his sister Géri McLean, brothers-in-law Daryl Lyon (Janet) and Grant Lyon (Jake). He was predeceased by his brother George and sister-in-law Gertrude, his sister Sylvia Mizgala, and his brother-in-law Bud McLean. He will also be greatly missed by ‘chosen’ family Yeslam & Reem and their children Suhaib, Kenzie and Adam, and by many good friends across the country.
Steve grew up in Notre-Dame-de-Grace and despite having lived in 7 provinces and worked in 6 he remained an NDG boy at heart. Although NDG had the greatest influence on his early life, it was his childhood experiences at the family summer cottage on Grippen Lake where loons and bullfrogs and creepers filled the night quiet that impacted much of his perspective regarding what is important and what is simply window dressing. And it was at his beloved Grippen Lake that many an adventure was undertaken with his sister Géri discovering snakes and frogs and the dreaded snapping turtles that of course grew in size as the legendary stories of their sightings were retold over the years. Long live the adventures of Turtle Bay!
An autodidactic, Steve was always reading and learning new things. And for a really good time he liked reading the dictionary! Never short on words he was not only a voracious reader but a prolific writer. He penned many letters to the editor, Op-Eds, essays, insights on recycling initiatives and decarbonization, social commentary, political commentary, poetry and prose … you name it … a true potpourri of subject matter. He had a deep empathy for the less fortunate and chafed against man’s inhumanity to man. Both a social activist and a union activist he was on the front lines of equality issues and the struggle for a more democratic and responsive union. Always principled, he had the steadfastness and fearlessness to speak the truth and suffer the consequences if need be.
Steve was a devoted Habs fan and an avid athlete in his school and college days. He was also a gardener, an art lover, a cyclist and a walker. He marvelled at nature, trees, sunsets and hummingbirds. He loved animals and children. Always curious and inquisitive he loved life! He is now sharing his enthusiasm for life by gifting his corneas to N.B.’s Organ and Tissue Donation Program.
Although there will be no visitation or funeral service a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119). As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Operation Smile or a charity of one’s choice.
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world, you
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
- Imagine, John Lennon
