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Ian Christopher Beaven Saunders “Jock” died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Trillium Villa at the age of 90. Beloved husband of Maria Elisabeth “Marlis”.
Loving father of Juliet “Andra” Saunders (Angelo) and Belinda Green (Gordon) who sadly predeceased him in 2007. Cherished grandfather of Ben and Erin Callegari and Julia and Robert Green.
Dear uncle to David, Anne, Douglas, Duncan, Hugh and Adam in New Zealand and Ute, Klaus and Dirk in Germany.
Predeceased by siblings Bill Saunders (and wife Mary) and Mary Robertson and nephew Richard.
Ian was born in Eltham, New Zealand to parents Dr. Douglas and Nancy Saunders on September 11, 1934.
Received Bachelors of Science and Engineering at University of New Zealand and Masters of Applied Science from University of Waterloo. He worked for over 43 years as a Principle Process Engineer – first from 1959-1994 at Dupont of Canada until their polyethylene division was taken over by Nova Chemicals in 1994 and finished his career as part of their Licencing division in 2002.
Jock has visited over 100 countries through work or pleasure and had been on 25 cruises (in fact, Jock met his wife Marlis on the ship the Fairsea while traveling from New Zealand and Australia to England). He was passionate about music, especially piano, clarinet and singing (most recently with the All Saints choir) and engaged in fundraising for the Lambton County Music Festival until 2018. Jock was involved in many sports and outdoor activities – mountain climbing, rugby, swimming, sailing, tennis, skiing, hiking and camping. He enjoyed reading, theatre and anything cultural and had visited most major museums and art galleries in the world. Jock was a bird watching enthusiast and a member of the Wildlife Association and participated in the annual bird count. He was a history buff and had a photographic memory. He could remember any historic fact that he had ever read or memorize any map he looked at.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 248 Vidal Street N., Sarnia, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm with refreshments to follow at the church hall.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Lambton Wildlife Inc.or Lambton County Music Festival (cheques only at the church or funeral home please).
Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
