Reg Saunders

1941 - 2016

Reginald William Saunders, beloved husband of Jarmila “Jeri” Saunders (nee Sajfrt), passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016 in Taber at the age of 74 years.

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M. 

 The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.  

 He is survived by his wife, Jeri; sons Kevin and Jason (Carla) Saunders of Taber and his grandchildren Renae and Dylan Saunders; sister Shirley Andrews of San Clemente, California; sister-in-law Alice Saunders of Taber as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

 He was predeceased by his parents J. Gordon and Lola Saunders, brother Gordon Saunders and in-laws Tony and Marie Sajfrt.

 Reg was born in the family home on August 7, 1941 in Taber.  He grew up loving the family farm - even skipping school and hitchhiking the twenty miles out to the farm as a young schoolboy to work with his father. That love for the land did not fade as he grew. Reg took over the farming operation in 1963 with his lifelong wife and partner, Jeri. He was an innovative and hard working farmer who embraced technology, always improving the practices and techniques of dryland farming. He enthusiastically experimented with new and progressive crop varieties, direct seeding and continuous cropping. His passion for farming never diminished and has been passed to the next generation.

 Reg was an avid, competitive curler who took great joy in participating in many bonspiels through the years. He was amazed with the changes in the game today. Reg also loved to golf and participate in many other social activities with his family and friends.

 In recent years he gained great enjoyment in watching his grandchildren participate and compete in everything they did. Reg was always in the crowd, cheering them on, and always had advice for them when they were finished. 

If friends so desire, the family requests that memorial tributes in Reg’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 or a charity of one’s choice.