Iwan Briscoe Saunders

On the morning of August 3, 2026, Iwan Briscoe Saunders of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the age of 80, wrapped in the arms of his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Linda Carole Wagner. A cherished husband, father, and Tadcu (grandfather), Iwan reluctantly said goodbye to the family, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate enough to know him. Iwan was a gift to everyone he met, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, friendship, and deep devotion to his family. He will be forever missed by his daughter, Bronwen Webster, son-in-law Kevin, and beloved grandchildren Maddox and Payton.

Iwan was born on September 25, 1945, in Nantyglo Hospital and raised in the mining town of Abertillery, Wales, by his loving parents, Reginald and Peggy (both predeceased). Though an only child, his many cousins in the UK, Australia, USA and New Zealand were truly like brothers and sisters to him. When he established his life in Canada, Linda and the Wagner family welcomed Iwan with open arms, quickly coming to adore his distinct sense of humour and his ready willingness to weave himself into the fabric of their family.

A lifelong learner, Iwan’s academic journey began at Abertillery County School before he went on to earn his LLB (With Great Distinction) from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for understanding the law, he traveled to North America to complete his first Master’s degree in Law at the University of Illinois. Years later, his love for learning led him back to the UK, where he earned a Master of Studies (With Great Distinction) from Wolfson College, Oxford, in 1999.

Iwan began his career as a law professor at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968. While in Saskatoon, he worked as a consultant for the Law Reform Commissions of Canada and Saskatchewan and assisted Roger Carter in setting up the Native Law Centre's Indigenous Studies Program. Moving to Calgary in 1976, he became a founding faculty member of the University of Calgary’s innovative Faculty of Law under John McLaren – a collegial team that embraced both excellence and inclusiveness (even playing in the Gastro-Electric Kazoo Band). From there, he moved to the Faculty of Continuing Education where he held several key leadership positions, including Acting Dean. Iwan also served as principal negotiator and grievance advisor for the Faculty Association (TUCFA). He returned to teaching in 2000, captivating students in the area of Torts, Remedies, and Unjust Enrichment before becoming Associate Dean until his retirement in 2014. During this time, he was instrumental in integrating Student Legal Assistance (SLA) with the Law Faculty and in encouraging the Legal Community to partner with the Faculty of Law. A respected author, beloved mentor, and colleague, his influential publications include the co-authorship of Personal Injury Damages in Canada and the personal writing of The Future of Personal Injury Compensation. Iwan touched countless lives throughout his distinguished career.

Beyond his academic career, Iwan’s vibrant personality shone through his passions. An enthusiastic and exacting rugby referee, he loved giving back to the sport. His musical taste was vast-ranging from Chopin and Rachmaninov to ABBA and Roy Orbison, though Leonard Cohen held a special place in his heart. Having studied piano in his youth, he often accompanied his parents’ singing and continued to find joy at the keyboard throughout his life. Iwan and Linda were avid travelers, reaching nearly every corner of the world, including all continents except the Arctic (though they came close in the Yukon during one of Linda’s curling trips). Above all, Iwan was a master storyteller and a genuine listener who truly cared about others. Whether recounting the time he met Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), Pee Wee Reese, and Joe DiMaggio, or staying connected with lifelong friends from Abertillery to Australia, Iwan made everyone feel valued. Ever the loyal friend, if you extended an invitation, Iwan would move mountains to drop by and share a visit with you.

Iwan’s family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted, loving husband to Linda and an enthusiastic, proud father to Bronwen and father-in-law to Kevin. As Tadcu, he adored his grandchildren, Maddox and Payton, and was considered to be their super-fan often seen at hockey rinks and baseball diamonds. Leaving his family was his greatest sadness, as he wished only to continue sharing in their lives. Whether mentoring his nieces and nephews or staying connected with his in-laws and cousins, Iwan poured his heart into every relationship.

As Iwan and Linda navigated his health challenges in recent months, our family extends deep gratitude to Dr. J.C. Wells, Dr. H.V. Leong, Dr. U. Lauf, the AHS Palliative Homecare team, especially Tara Lynn Letkeman, along with the many caregivers from Saige HomeCare and the team at Rosedale Hospice with Dr. Raj Sharma for their compassion and kindness.

A gathering to honour Iwan’s life and legacy will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Foster’s Garden Chapel, Funeral Home and Crematorium (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB). If you have a red tie or scarf please wear it in honour of his memory.

For those unable to attend the service in person, live-streaming will be available by clicking the link below the service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Iwan’s memory to the Salvation Army Calgary, The Mustard Seed, United Way, Canadian Cancer Research, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Fear Is Not Love, KidSport Calgary, or Rosedale Hospice.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.