Peter Richard William Sanders

June 15, 2025

In Loving Memory ~It is with immense sadness and a broken heart that I announce the passing of my husband, soulmate, and best friend, Peter Richard William Sanders, on June 15, 2025, at the age of 91.

Peter was born in Reigate, Surrey, England, the youngest child of Dick and Ivy Sanders. Known as "Wee Bill" when he was little, when he was older he went by "Bill" in the UK and "Peter" in Canada. Evacuated several times during WWII, he completed his education at Midhurst Boarding School. He served as a medic in the Royal Air Force before studying at the Dean School of Forestry.

In 1969, Peter immigrated to Canada and later settled in Buffalo Creek, British Columbia. He led with quiet determination and deep expertise, serving as Director of the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and the Gavin Lake Research Forest. At 65, he and I purchased and began restoring a derelict farm and took up sheep farming .

Peter will be remembered for his humility, resilience, and enduring connection to the land and people he loved.

Survived by Wife Joan of 45 years; *Daughters - Ruth Smith (Mike) and Jill Ruddick (Ron); Grandchildren - Christianne McRae (Shawn), Jenny Ruddick, and Oneida Smith; Great-grandchildren - Wyatt and Mason Lissimore; Dejal and Lilly McRae. In England: Brother-in-law Jack Robb (96); nieces and nephews Gill Miller (Keith), Stuart Robb (Pam), Ian Robb (Di), Anne Robb, Elee Perkins, and Alan Walker (Kim)

Predeceased by Parents - Richard "Dick" Champion-Sanders and Ivy Marks-Sanders; Sisters - Mary Robb (Jack) and Anne Walker (Eric); Stepsons Rob and Larry Bedard and Brother-in-law Eric Walker.

A celebration of life will be at the Forest Grove Community Hall on August 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm