Peacefully from his home, Fred cast off for his eternal voyage on February 17. Waving goodbye from this earthly shore are his wife of 65 years, Linda (nee MacFarlane), children Shari and Jeff (Damaris) and grandson, Justin. Greeting him in Heaven are his parents Harold and Gladys Saunders and his siblings Barbara Temple (Ron), Susan Marriage (John), and Richard Saunders (Lynda). Brother Bob (the late Dorothy) stands last of a proud North End family.
With the harbour so close, Fred’s love of the water came naturally and at a young age he earned his stripes serving aboard The Lady Hamilton during Hurricane Hazel. Later, he
became a longstanding member of the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club where he volunteered and raced. He also enjoyed golf (2 hole-in-ones), curling, and long bike rides along the rail trails.
Fred relished meeting people. He worked in the plumbing and industrial wholesale industry for over 40 years plus had a photography business doing weddings and team pictures.
Fred gave back to the community through volunteering with the Big Brothers, Navy League Sea Cadets, Mt Hamilton Minor Hockey (coach and convenor), and Glanbrook Home Support Program. He enjoyed communion within the United Church community and, with dedication and enthusiasm, painted
numerous church rooms and organized outreach services at Macassa Lodge and Extendicare.
Fred held strong opinions, loved to joke and was a commanding presence wherever he went. Above all, he was steadfast in his love for his family. The family joins Fred in sending deepest thanks to all the kind-hearted PSW’s who cared for him over the last few years, to Dr. Richard Tytus and his team, and to the Regional Rehabilitation Clinic for stroke victims at Hamilton General Hospital.
The visitation and funeral will be held at M.A. Clarke Funeral Home on Upper Wellington St. in Hamilton, on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:30 am with refreshments to follow
immediately after. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honour Fred with a random act of kindness or a donation to your favorite charity.