SANDERS, Robert “Bob” William Sanders

Passed away at the Uxbridge Hospital on Monday March 2, 2026 at the age of 85 years.  Husband of the late Anne Marie Colvin (d. 1985) and Huguette D’Auost Taylor (d.2014).  Loved and missed by his sons Kevin and Kory Sanders (JoAnn).  Grandpa will always be loved and remembered by his granddaughter Savanna.  Survived by his sister Lola Thompson (late Walter).  Predeceased by his siblings Eunice Stewart (Glenn), Ruth Woodward (Alan) and Sheila Timbers (Harley).

Robert was born August 22, 1940 to Robert and Bertha Sanders in Richmond Hill. He joined the Naval Reserve at the age of 18 out of HMCS York. Serving for 10 years and gaining the rank of Leading Seaman, Robert was dedicated to the service of his country. After being discharged from the Naval Reserve, he achieved the classification of Stationary Engineer, 3rd class. After marrying Anne and becoming a father, first to Kevin and then Kory, he became an instructor for the Naval League Cadets to continue serving his community. He joined the Royal Canadian Legion, first in Uxbridge and then in North Oshawa. He was a member of the HMCS York Veterans’ Association and an avid supporter of the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

To connect with his Scottish heritage, Robert learned how to play the bagpipes at 50 and enjoyed performing with the Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums and the Durham College Pipes and Drums.

Robert was a force of nature, often being called a “walking encyclopedia of military history” and was passionate about sharing the stories of the past. He was a dedicated tour guide and later Maintenance Coordinator of the Ontario Regiment Museum from its earliest form to its current configuration as the Canadian Tank Museum under the purview of Jeremy Blowers.

The family would also like to make special mention of Jeremy Blowers and Liz Szczepanski . Jeremy was also a close friend of the family and has been a great help to the family as they steer through these turbulent times. Robert met Liz only in the last year and the companionship she was able to offer Robert over the last few months has meant a lot to his sons. She had been a great comfort to Robert and his family at the end.

A funeral service to honour Bob’s life and service will be held at the Canadian Tank Museum, 1000 Stevenson Road North, Oshawa on Sunday March 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow in the 420 Wing Association.  Interment at Foster Memorial Cemetery in the spring.

As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Ontario Regiment Museum, Wounded Warriors of Canada or Poppy Campaign would be appreciated by Bob’s family.  Friends are encouraged to share memories or make donations by contacting Low & Low Funeral Home, Uxbridge Chapel at www.lowandlow.ca.