Leon Sanders

Peacefully at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, Leon Sanders passed away on September 11, 2026 at the age of 90 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 66 years, Elise Sanders (nee Grift) and their 8 children, Lucy (Brian) Maes, Mary Anne (Brian) Schoonbaert, Helen (James) Knockaert, Maurice (Barb) Sanders, Yvonne (Randy) Bossuyt, Roger (Belita) Sanders, Diane (Robert) Bourns and Darlene (Allan) McPherson; and their 27 grandchildren, Matthew (Sorena), Michelle (Daniel), Father Carl, Charlene (Eric), Sr. Paulette, Candace (Dave), Stephen (Heidi), Justin (Kaylee), Christin (Ryan), Aaron (Danica), Joel, Stephanie (Lance), Andrew (Leslie), Nicole (Adrian), Colin (Lisa), Sr. Kelly, Courtney (Joe), Dayle (Johnny), Nick (Sabrina), Avery, Desirae, Victor, Jacinta (John-Francis), Megan (Tanner), Brendan, Ben (Tessa), Grace (Andrij) and 49 great grandchildren. His brothers and sisters, Maria† (Remi†) Demare, Andre (Evelyn) Sanders, Godelieve (Roger) Vanwynsberghe, Gaston (Judy) Sanders, Gerard (Dorothy†) Sanders, Marguerite (Gerard) Raes, Michel† (Freeda) Sanders, George (Shelia) Sanders and Odiel (Margaret†) Sanders and his in-laws, Ronald† (Jo) Grift, Barb (Jerry) Devloo, Geraldine (Brian) Rowley and Sharon (John†) Webb. Also left to mourn are his numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Leon Sanders was born in Flanders, Belgium. He moved with his family to Canada when he was 11 years old. He met the love of his life, Elise and was married on November 3, 1959. Together with his stead-fast partner Elise, they raised their 8 children. It was important to Leon to instill in his children the value of a good work ethic by involving them in various chores and responsibilities on the farm. After farming in the Manitou area for 32 years, they moved to town where they lived for 34 years.

Leon was thankful for the gift of his Catholic faith and of the gift of his family. He touched the lives of many by his example and by the way he lived his life. He inspired many to keep the faith and to be mindful that we are all on a journey toward everlasting life.

Prayers will be held in Manitou at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Swan Lake at the St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:00pm with rosary to start at 1:30pm. Interment will take place in the Manitou Cemetery and reception to follow at the St. Leon Community Hall.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca