Bob Saunders, longtime West Shore businessman and philanthropist, dies at 91

Bob Saunders, the longtime owner of Saunders Subaru and a prominent supporter of community organizations, youth sports and charities across Greater Victoria, has died at the age of 91.

Saunders died peacefully at home on Oct. 2 surrounded by family, according to an obituary shared by his loved ones.

Born in Duncan on Aug. 21, 1935, Saunders grew up in a family that emphasized community service, a value that would shape his decades of charitable work throughout Vancouver Island.

He began working in his father’s automotive business at a young age, learning the importance of customer service before pursuing jobs as a pipefitter and welder on ships and at mills.

Saunders eventually returned to the automotive industry to spend more time with his family, opening a used car lot on the Old Island Highway in Colwood before establishing Saunders Subaru in the late 1970s.

Alongside his wife, Norma, and several of their children, he built the dealership into a successful family business, earning numerous awards, but Saunders may have been best known for his contributions outside the dealership.

In the early 1970s, he helped organize the construction of a lacrosse box and clubhouse at Centennial Park in Langford, bringing together volunteers and donated materials to complete the project at no cost to the community.

Over the following decades, he supported countless amateur and competitive sports organizations, including hockey, lacrosse, football, rowing, soccer, softball, baseball and triathlon. He coached, refereed and sponsored teams, while also helping families cover registration fees, equipment and travel costs so children could participate in sports.

Through his family’s charitable foundation, Saunders helped establish the Comfy Kids Program, providing vehicles to families travelling to BC Children’s Hospital for medical treatment and appointments.

He also supported the Sport Assist program, which aims to ensure financial barriers don’t prevent children from participating in athletics.

His charitable work extended to local food banks, the Salvation Army, Victoria Hospice, CNIB, school programs, seniors’ centres and arts organizations.

A longtime member of the Masons and Shriners, Saunders was active in the Gizeh Temple Shrine Clown Unit and received the Masonic Medal of Merit.

His community contributions earned him numerous honours, including the King’s Coronation Medal, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, Royal Roads University’s Chancellor’s Community Recognition Award and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award.

He also received recognition from CNIB, the Salvation Army and C-FAX 1070, among other organizations.

Despite retiring in 2016, Saunders remained involved in community activities and continued supporting local organizations.

His family says he took particular pride in watching others succeed, whether in business, sports or their personal lives.

Saunders was also an avid fisherman who loved spending time on the water. His family says he was happy to be fishing on his 91st birthday in August.

He and Norma married in May 1956 and raised five children: Helen, Stephen, Edie, Ruth and David.

The family says that even when the couple couldn’t afford to donate money, they found ways to contribute their time.

That tradition of community service continues through their children and grandchildren. Saunders is survived by his wife, five children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

His family says that, despite his many business accomplishments and community honours, Saunders always considered his wife and family his greatest treasure.