Pre-deceased by his soul mate and wife Kay and his younger sister Helen Joyce Saunders. His children were at his side as he passed away at St Joseph’s Health Centre just two days after his 94th birthday. Older brother to Patricia Ruth Saunders and dearest father to both his daughter Caroline Saunders and his son Adam Saunders (Diane Whittington), grandfather to Jacob Saunders and Carl Groten. Robert was born into a loving family in Toronto’s west end. His father William was a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps (1917-1918) and his mother Ethel Betts was a prominent presence at Perth Avenue Church. Bob graduated top of his year from Humberside Collegiate as valedictorian in 1943. After grade 13 he joined the RCAF, and his poor eyesight destined him to ground crew. He graduated from U of T with a Masters in Science and Math in 1950. Leopold Infeld took Bob on as a protégé, successfully directing him towards earning a scholarship to Princeton. Instead he wrote his actuarial exams in Toronto and passed them. Again fate took a turn, and after engaging a career consultant he went into the advertising game. The happiest time of Bob and Kay’s life was when they lived in London, England in 1954 and 1955. The met a myriad of brilliant British characters they remained in contact with for the rest of their lives. Bob returned to advertising in Canada at Spitzer-Mills and Cockfield Brown where, by his admission was amongst a myriad of brilliantly creative misfits in 1954 – 1964. His Tip Top Tailor account had him working closely with Ben Dunkleman. Ben took a liking to Bob’s diligence and intellect, which as legend has it, was a rarity for Ben. Bob worked out his career at Maple Leaf Mills for the next twenty years. He enjoyed his past 35 years in retirement. In every sense of the word Bob and Kay were soulmates, and Bob never accepted her physical absence from his side. Their partnership in life began when Bob and Kay were introduced at an after school ‘Tea Dance' at Western Commerce School.In Bob’s memory, Donations preferred to St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation, Palliative Care Services.


Bob passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, two days after his 94th birthday. Predeceased by his beloved wife and soul mate Kay and his younger sister Helen Joyce Saunders, Bob leaves behind his sister Patricia Ruth Saunders, son Adam, daughter Caroline and grandsons Jacob and Carl.
Bob and Kay were introduced as teens by Bob’s cousin Laura at a Tea Dance at Western Commerce School. They had a long and extremely happy life together, including time in England in the 1950s, where they made many friends.
Bob graduated top of his class from Humberside Collegiate as valedictorian in 1943. He joined the RCAF and later graduated from University of Toronto in 1950 with a Masters in Science and Math. He earned a scholarship to Princeton University, where he heard Leopold Infeld and Albert Einstein speak. He later took and passed his actuarial exams in Toronto, eventually deciding to go into advertising. He was with Maple Mills for twenty years.
Bob was devastated when Kay passed away in 2009, just before their 60th wedding anniversary. Bob’s favourite adventure was always to go to Niagara-on-the-Lake, to the Moffat Inn. He particularly enjoyed visiting wineries, especially Caroline Cellars, which he joked was named for his daughter. He and Caroline always brought Maple Leaf Fudge back for the family. Bob supported many charities, including CNIB, The Salvation Army, The Scott Mission, Yonge Street Youth Mission and the SPCA. A donation to one of these, or to a charity of your choice, in his name, would be much appreciated.