Gary Allan Junior Sanderson
Jan 6, 1971 – Feb 2, 2023
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Gary Allan Junior Sanderson on February 2,
2023 at the age of 52, surrounded by his loving family at the Guelph General Hospital.
Born in Vancouver, Gary moved to Calgary at the age of 7 and grew up in Ogden where he met
a close group of life-long friends. He excelled at sports and was the quarterback of Western
Canada High School football team, and continued to play for the Calgary Colts, later he played
rugby, softball and golf, always enjoying the company of teammates and friends. In later life
Gary found a passion in bass fishing and was never happier than when he was out on the water
with a fishing rod in his hand.
Gary attended the University of Saskatchewan where he was the first in his family to be granted
a University degree. He then found his calling as a Correctional Officer and had a long career
dedicating his life to public service at the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary (2002-3), Maine
State Prison (2003-4), and Grand Valley Institute (2004-2023).
Gary met Kari Dunfield in 1990, when he was 19 and she was 17, they married in 2002 and
although they were separated for the last few years, they had many happy years together and
remained close. Together, they moved from Calgary to Saskatoon, to Damariscotta, Maine, and
finally landed in Guelph where they started a family, daughter Alexis Sanderson (2004) and son
Cooper Sanderson (2007). Gary was a loving and devoted father who lived for his kids. They
kept him going while he battled life’s demons, and his love for them was immeasurable and
absolute.
Gary was predeceased by his mother Alice Beemish (Vancouver) and brother Kelly Sanderson
(Calgary). He is survived by his beloved children Alexis and Cooper Sanderson, former spouse,
Kari Dunfield, and cherished fishing dog Deeks and new puppy Hank. He will be lovingly
remembered by his friends and co-workers at the CSC, and fellow fisherman who he bonded with
over rocky boat rides, catching lunkers and “the one that got away” and by his many family in
Vancouver who loved him dearly.
No funeral is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a
memorial is scheduled.
To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you soft and clear.