Rick Calvin Saunderson

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Rick Saunderson, beloved husband to Theresa. He was a cherished father to Tara (Brad), Tresa (Craig), Matt (Christina), and Mark (Ashley), and a proud grandfather to Denée, Emrey, Nixon, Nash, Adrian, and Adalee.

Rick was loved by so many. He protected his children fiercely and cared for his family with a loyalty that never wavered. He was old-school, opinionated, and unapologetically himself—qualities that only made him more endearing to those who knew him—a true Bonehead.

Known affectionately as “The Mayor,” “Princess,” “Rico Suave,” “Rickter,” and “Gramps,” Rick had a presence that filled every room, campsite, and hockey rink he entered. It was hard to get on Rick’s bad side, but that was for the best, because you certainly wouldn’t want to be—though most never had to worry. His generosity, humour, and easy warmth made him a friend to so many. And if you ever needed a tool, chances are he’d forgotten he already owned three, so he’d go out and buy a new one for you to borrow.

Rick spent the past 9½ years as a school bus driver, a job he took enormous pride in. He was adored by the students he drove each day, greeting them with kindness, patience, and the same big-hearted energy he shared with everyone in his life. He loved his students immensely, along with his First Student family.

As a devoted hockey dad, Rick loved watching his sons, his grandsons, and likely your son too, cheering them on from countless cold rinks across many provinces and NHL telecasts. He picked up friends wherever he went—fellow hockey parents, cable buddies from Shaw, Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon friends, his daily morning coffee crew (both in the city and at the lake), and his Al Anderson’s family. Rick also had a close-knit group of friends who shared his love for restoring and cruising classic cars. He took great pride in his 1961 Corvette.

Rick’s happiest place was Wakaw Lake, where he created a second home filled with laughter, friendship, and traditions. Sitting around the fire pit at his campsite, no one ever had an empty cup—Rick made sure of that, with Theresa on snack duty. With one of his beer koozies in hand, he made everyone feel welcome. He especially treasured taking his kids and grandkids out on the pontoon boat, creating memories on the water they will hold close forever. Cruising on the pontoon with his favourite tunes blasting, searching for eagles, and watching sunsets brought endless hours of joy. Not many could walk past Site 74 without chatting with the Princess and enjoying a good laugh and a drink.

Rick and Theresa also enjoyed many wonderful trips to Ixtapa, Mexico, embracing sunshine, good company, and peaceful days together that became cherished memories.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Theresa, married for over 38 glorious years (as he would call her, “the luckiest woman in Canada”), his children, his grandchildren, his brother Ken (Karen), his sisters Karen (Gerry) and Loreen (Rick), his brother-in-law Boyd, his sister-in-law Carol (Mike), his mother-in-law Anne, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Carla, his parents, Les and Alma, and his father-in-law, Paul.

Rick’s impact on his family, friends, and community will be felt for years to come. His stories, laughter, and larger-than-life personality left no room for dull moments. His loyalty was rock-solid, and his love—whether for family, friends, hockey, or his red Corvette—was unstoppable. He may be gone, but you can bet he’s already holding court somewhere, making everyone laugh and reminding us how to live life to the fullest.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Gordie Howe Sports Complex, Main Hall (1525 Avenue P South) Saskatoon.