It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that the family of the late Collen Roy Saunders, age 63, of Port Anson, NL announces his passing at the Health Science Centre, St. John's, NL, on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Born one of an identical twin in Springdale Newfoundland, May 15, 1955, Collen began his journey through life.  Collen was one of 14 children - 7 brothers and 6 sisters born to Adam & Violet Saunders.

After leaving his hometown at the age of 21, he moved to the Northern community of Thompson, Manitoba where he married his wife Hilda and began building his family. After just a few short years he moved his family 300kms further north to the small humble town of Leaf Rapids, MB where they raised their three children: Amanda, April and Adam.

Collen was a hardworking man that spent 35 years of his life as an underground miner operating heavy equipment. When he wasn't working he was spending time with his children, camping, fishing and enjoying outside activity.

Collen had a huge heart and a great sense of humor.  One of Collen's greatest gifts was making others laugh even when they were in tears; he was always successful in cheering them up. With his kind and giving heart Collen could brighten your darkest day and put a smile on your face. Through his Faith, in his darkest hours, he never lost hope or his sense of humor. He truly was a gift to us all, and this was certainly his purpose for being here on this earth.

He is now peacefully resting in God's hands.

He is predeceased by his parents Adam and Violet Saunders; brothers Alonzo Saunders and Terry Saunders; sister Gloria Jacobs; sisters-in-law Debbie Saunders, Gloria Jacobs; brother-in-law Gordon Jacobs.

Collen leaves to remember the wonderful life that he lived, his loving wife Hilda Saunders; son Adam (Julia) Saunders; daughters Amanda (Travis) Palmateer, April (Dave) Harnum; grandchildren Brenna Harnum, Blair Palmateer, Kyle Palmateer, Jack Saunders; brothers Colin Saunders (Kim), Corban (Muriel) Saunders (twin brother), Darrel (Daphne) Saunders, Randy (Jennifer) Saunders, Robert (Fannie) Saunders; sisters Jeanette (Jim) Kidd, Golda Jacobs, Alice (Fred) Janes, Vera (Ray) Colbourne, Christine (Gary) Rice, as well as other family members and friends. He left indelible memories for his family and friends to cherish forever. Ever Remembered, Ever Loved – Forever In Our Hearts!

The Celebration of Life service was held from Redemption Pentecostal Assembly, Port Anson, on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Barry Pelley officiating. Interment was at the Pentecostal Cemetery, Port Anson. Honorary pallbearer was Dave Harnum. The pallbearers were son Adam Saunders; brothers Colin Saunders, Darrel Saunders; twin brother Corbin Saunders; friends Joe Morey, Dino Burton, Arch Colbourne. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Elaine M. Rideout and Harry Oxford at Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.

Donations: Flowers are gratefully accepted.