Dr. Donald Albert Sander

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband and father. This devastating loss has not only greatly affected his family, but as well, so many of the Alberni Valley community whose lives he has impacted in a significant way.

Born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, Don moved to Port Alberni with his family as a young child. His path to becoming a family practitioner began at The University of British Columbia, then took him to St. Andrews Scotland, and ended in Cardiff Wales, where he graduated with his Medical Degree. His love for the Alberni Valley brought him back to Port Alberni in 1980, where he established his medical practice and worked for the next 39 years. He loved his work and cherished the personal relationships that he developed with his patients. He never imposed time restrictions when he was with them. An office appointment with Don was as much a social visit and chat session as it was a medical consultation. In addition to his family practice, Don was stimulated by the challenges of emergency room medicine, and consequently, did not only his own "on call" rotations, but often those of his colleagues as well. His memory was second to none and his attention to detail unsurpassed. No task was complete unless it was done to perfection. This standard was the only one Don knew.

Don was happiest in the company of his close-knit family and his extensive group of lifelong friends and colleagues. He was a generous and selfless man and always put everyone else first. With his sharp mind & quick wit, he was a natural storyteller and constant source of entertainment.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Heather, his three children; Michelle (Jon), Chris (Claire), Jonathan (Larissa), and a new joy that was brought into his life in 2018, his first grandchild Hayden. He also leaves behind his best friend and brother, Ken (Gail) and sister Marilyn (Ron) and all of his nieces and nephews; Brian (Christina), Krista, Leah (Graham), Lindsey (Jeff), Lauren, Michael (Megan) and Matthew (Sarah).

A special thank you to all of Don’s colleagues and the staff at West Coast General Hospital for the friendship and support he experienced throughout the years.

A celebration of Don's life will take place at The Alberni Athletic Hall from 2pm – 4pm on Saturday May 11, 2019. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made to the West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) Foundation.