Ken Saunders January 25, 1939 - March 5, 2025

The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened to hear of the passing of Ken Saunders, an Honoured Member with the 1957/58 MJHL St. Boniface Canadiens.

Ken was part of 2 MJHL Turnbull Cup title winning teams with St. Boniface Canadiens. In 1959, he would turn pro with Wembley Lions in the British National League for 1 season before returning to Winnipeg and joining the Senior Winnipeg Maroons for 2 years.

Heading south in 1962, he'd spend 5 seasons in the International Hockey League (IHL)h. Retiring from the pro game after the 1967/68 season he would join the Warroad Lakers of the Manitoba Senior Hockey League (MSHL) for 2 seasons.

From the Winnipeg Free Press;

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth Frederick Saunders on Wednesday March 5, 2025, at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Tina Saunders. Mourning his loss are his wife of 66 years Elsie; sister Betty Riske; sons, Kevin (Kim) and Kirby; daughter Kelly (Will); and grandchildren, Karli, Kory, Hunter, and Taylor.

Ken was born on January 25, 1939, in Winnipeg, MB. With Ken's father being stationed in the military in Europe for most of WWII, Ken did not meet his father until he was 5 years old. Ken grew up in the North End of Winnipeg where he enjoyed a large and extended family as well as many childhood friends, who remained his close friends through their later years.

Ken's passion was hockey! Being drafted by the Montreal Canadians, he was able to turn it into a 6-year professional career starting in London, England with the Wembley Lions followed by stops in Minneapolis with the Millers, Port Huron with the Flags and finally Columbus with the Checkers. Moving back to Winnipeg after his hockey career, Ken found his true calling in sales. He started with National Drugs as a salesman and then moved on to Venus Esterbrook to sell pencils - "the best pencils ever made." Faber Castell was next and he rapidly and progressively moved through the ranks of salesman, Western Canada sales manager and then vice president of sales and marketing for Canada (out of Toronto). Toronto was exciting and challenging, but Ken and Elsie missed Winnipeg. They moved back to Winnipeg where Ken continued to work for Faber Castell again as Western Canada Sales manager until his retirement.

Ken had many passions in his retirement and playing golf was one of them. A long-time member at Elmhurst GC and subsequently the Manitoba Seniors tour, Ken had 4 hole-in-ones in his lifetime! This was something he reminded his sons of frequently.

Ken also spent countless hours going to his grandsons' hockey games, his granddaughters' gymnastics competitions and dance recitals, and whatever other activities the grandchildren were involved in. Ken loved his grandchildren very much and spent as much time as he could with each of them. Ken also enjoyed watching the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers and Toronto Blue Jays on TV - a true sports guy to the end of his days.

Ken and Elsie had 66 wonderful years together. Between his employment and their personal trips, they travelled around the world. They finished their travels in later years with winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and then Mesa, Arizona. But Winnipeg was always the dear and beloved home base, and their family was always priority number one. Our dad lived a full life in his 86 years. He remained extremely proud of his north end Winnipeg and Ukrainian heritage to the end. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Per his request, there will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice