The Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and Y staff are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Saunders.
Gordon (‘Gord’ as he was known to Y members) served as the CEO of our local family YMCA for more than 20 years. More than that, he was an inspiration to many children, youth, and adults that have been a part of our YMCA community.
Gordon assumed his role in Sault Ste Marie at a formative point in the history of our local YMCA. The MacNabb Street branch had only recently opened its doors, and he would be responsible for helping usher in a wide range of new and expanded recreational and sports programs for local youth and adults. In many ways, Gordon was the driving force for the YMCA model that continues to serve our community today.
Although he officially retired as CEO in 1990, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA continued to benefit from Gordon’s insight and experience as a volunteer and as a member of the Y’s council of advisors.
In 2009, YMCA Canada announced the appointment of Gordon Saunders to the YMCA Fellowship of Honour, presented by the Governor General of Canada. The award recognizes outstanding YMCA volunteers and staff who have given tremendous leadership while strengthening and expanding the capacity of the YMCA in Canada.
In addition to his leadership role at our YMCA, Gordon also held key roles with the Winnipeg YMCA and the Toronto West End YMCA, adding to a career with the Y that spanned more than four decades.
As a charitable organization, funds raised by the YMCA are channeled back into ensuring that equity-deserving and marginalized individuals in our community benefit from YMCA programs.
Gordon lived his life exemplifying the charitable values that the YMCA holds dear: care, honesty, respect, responsibility, excellence, and inclusiveness.
During this time, our sincerest condolences are extended to the Saunders family and to the many friends that Gordon had in our community.
Gordon’s obituary can be found HERE. As per Gordon’s request a Celebration of Life will take place on May 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm with the venue to be announced at a later time.