Obituary of Francis Reginald Sauntry

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Sauntry, at the age of 80 peacefully at Hospice House in Fredericton, N.B. on April 10, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jeannette and their son Victor (Cait).

He was predeceased by his parents Eugene & Victoria (Donahue) Sauntry of Williamstown, N.B. and his siblings Mary, Merlyn, Eugene, Olive, Gladys, Michael, Vince, Jean, Pauline, Joe, & John.

He is survived by brothers and sisters, Ray, Ben, Cecelia, James, Patricia, Rose, Ron, Debbie, Bob, Donna, Peggy and many nieces & nephews.

Seeing jets fly over his family home in Williamstown from CFB Chatham inspired Frank to leave home and join the air force. While his dreams of being a pilot were broken by a training instructor who suggested he would feel safer with Frank on the ground, he quickly transferred to the communications trade and spent the next 33 years in the air force, retiring as a Major in 1995.

Frank did not use retirement as an excuse to slow down. He worked out at the YMCA, played tennis 2-3x a week, cross-country skied in the winter, and the neighbours could set their clocks based on his morning walks. He also volunteered as a past member of the Capital Y’s Men, the Stepping Stone Senior Centre and the National Association of Federal Retirees.

Frank was a generous and caring man who always had time to help family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice House and Horizon Health Doctors and Nurses for the excellent care he received on his final days.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice House or the Canadian Cancer Society (please direct donation to prostate cancer research).

Visitation will be on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at McAdam’s Funeral Home (160 York St.) and the Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Rev. John Jennings will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.