Donald "Don" Saunders

Donald James Saunders—known affectionately to many as "Donzi"—passed away peacefully just before the sun rose on the morning of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Born on November 10, 1945, in the borough of Lachine, Quebec, Don was the only child of Moyra and Donald Saunders. He attended Verdun High School in Montreal and after graduation, his journey took him from the fast-paced floor of the Montreal Exchange to a long, colorful career in sales and the service industry. With a natural gift for connection and a sharp wit, Don managed bars and restaurants across Canada, leaving his mark on establishments from the streets of Montreal, to the shores of Horseshoe Bay, up to the peaks of Whistler, British Columbia.

Don lived life with a certain flair. In his younger years, he was a baseball player and an avid skier who took to the mountains with ease. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted fan of both NFL and CFL football, and he was rarely seen without a newspaper in hand. He had a deep love for the hum of a powerful engine and spent many happy hours taking to the road behind the wheel of his Dodge Challenger, Convertible PT Cruiser, and other various cars over the years.

Beyond his interests, Don was a man of deep loyalty. He spent his last years in White Rock, where he was a fixture at the local pub, surrounded by friends who became like family. It was in White Rock that he also showed his immense heart, devotedly caring for his mother, Moyra, until her passing ten years ago.

Don found a beautiful second act in life when he reunited with the love of his life, Mary-Gail Bodnaruk (Cleveland). Together, they shared a love of travel and the quiet joys of late life partnership. Donzi didn’t just join Mary-Gail’s life; he became a part of a larger family, sharing in the lives and milestones of her daughters, Paula Wilkins (Richard) and Pamela Lee (Todd) and their boys. To them, his presence was a source of warmth and humor with his gifts and cards of affection.

Don is predeceased by his parents and his family’s faithful canine companion, Buster. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, a bit of "Donzi" charm, and a family that will miss his presence dearly every time the sun rises.

"At Don’s request, no formal service will be held. Instead, his family asks that you raise a glass at your favorite local spot or while viewing the open water, and toast to a life well-lived."

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to your local animal shelter in his name.