Ira Charles SANDERSON

SANDERSON, Rev. Ira Charles - Was born on January 27, 1952 in Brandon, Manitoba, eldest son of Charles and Doris Sanderson. Following his marriage to Vinetta Yeo on June 8, 1973, Ira enrolled at Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon, graduating in 1977. He served as Pastor in Semans and Naicam, Saskatchewan, Roseisle, Manitoba (interim), Fort Garry and Sherwood Assembly in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bracebridge, Ontario. Most recently, he and Vinetta served on the ministry at Kitchener Gospel Temple, in the area of Pastoral Care. From January 1998 to July 2007, Ira served fourteen different Assemblies, helping them through difficulties of pastoral transition. His compassion and wise leadership suited him well for this role. Ira loved practical ministry and offered his help wherever there was a need. Over the years, this involved construction, carpentry, painting, driving a combine and many other odd-jobs. Ira loved his family and is survived by his wife, Vinetta, daughter and son-in-law, Jaylene and Jason Gervais, his two beautiful girlies (granddaughters) Eliah (2) and Avrielle (1). He will also be missed by his extended family, Dad; Charlie Sanderson, Dad and Mom Yeo (Jack and Marion), sisters Lynn Sanderson and Carol Robbins, brothers Kent (Shari) and Brock (Angie) Sanderson, in-laws Al and Yvonne Downey, Arvilla and Gord Reimer, Glenn and Sandra Yeo, Weldon and Laurie Yeo and his nieces and nephews. Ira was predeceased by his loving son Jamie in 1982, his special Grandma Johnson, and his mother Doris. Ira was diagnosed for the second time with cancer in 2001 and has demonstrated his faith and courage throughout this long battle. He never lost his great sense of humor or his desire to care for the needs of others. Ira passed peacefully into the presence of God at 5:05 PM on Sunday, December 9, 2007 in the Brantford General Hospital. Friends will be received at DENNIS TOLL FUNERAL HOME, 55 Charing Cross St., Brantford, on Wednesday, December 12, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM, and 1:30-2:30 PM Thursday, December 13 at Kitchener Gospel Temple, 9 Conway Drive, Kitchener, where a celebration of Ira's life will be held at 2:30 PM. The family suggests Braeside Camp, in lieu of flowers, as charity of choice, memorial donations may be directed there. www.dennistoll.ca “He fought a good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith!“ 10930803