In loving memory of Richard William Sanderson,

With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Richard William Sanderson. On August 16, 2026, sunlight poured through the sky on a quiet Sunday afternoon and Richard left our world peacefully, surrounded by love. Leaving behind millions of beautiful memories of his life and a legacy of love and humor that will live inside all of those he had touched. A testament to Richard’s greatness is the profound pain that comes with losing him. Unexpected, unfair, and undeservingly he was suddenly faced with an illness he never anticipated, yet he met it with remarkable strength and resilience. In classic Richard fashion, always positive despite his circumstances, always smiling through the pain, reminding people that he's tougher than any diagnosis, and cracking up those around him in the hospital. Just one of those guys it was impossible to hate. To feel such devastation is a privilege in its own way, because it means you had the extraordinary gift of knowing and loving someone truly special.

A life well lived:

Richard William Sanderson was born on April 21, 1962 in Toronto, Ontario. Richard in his entire life can be described as gentle, humorous, and undoubtedly loyal. In his early life, he was a hard worker, model student and human being growing up. Rick was adventurous and always loved being outdoors. From a long bike ride to hiking and walking, he liked the simple things in life. Nothing could beat a diet Pepsi, a nice view and a podcast. He lived his life with a carefree attitude and gratitude for everything he had, always appreciating what was in front of him and not waiting for a good day but turning everyday into one. Reluctant to be persuaded by life's negativity and material happiness, Rick focused his attention on the physical things that brought him joy. His family, nature, and the dogs. He often would be unreachable after a long work day with his phone shut off, spending hours throwing a ball at the park with “Gussy” and walking Peanut along the beach. Rick was a compassionate and observant man, always tending to the needs of those around him. From notes in school lunches, cookie jars around the office, to hanging stockings for the dogs on Christmas and hand wrapping gifts from “Santa Paws”, it was evident through action that Rick cared so deeply for those he had loved. Always driven by discipline, self purpose, and a sense of responsibility to make himself, and those around him proud. And when it came to Rick, he always did. Throughout his journey, Rick was a man of many titles. Dad, Boss, Brother, Son, and “Wally”. It is rare to find a person who can be exceptional in any role they are given, let alone leave an extraordinary mark in every one. Rick was a respected and admired man by so many and also, just a hilarious guy. Always taking things in stride and had a funny angle on whatever came his way.

Family bonds:

Richard William Sanderson was the son of Stanley Sanderson and Elizabteh Sanderson. He was the middle child to his older siblings Robert Sanderson, Barbra Douglas and younger brother David Sanderson. As a brother, Rick was described as a “steady and amazing human”, someone that you could always depend on and would be there for you at the drop of a pin, his loyalty was unwavering to those he loved. One thing about Rick is his commitment to fostering relationships no matter where life divides his family. Long phone calls with “Barbie” as listed in his contacts and 7pm meetings with his father every Thursday were a weekly routine that Rick had adapted to keep close in contact with his family. A facetime call coming from his daughter at university could range anywhere from a minute to an hour depending on the gossip being spilled or the therapy session. Bottom line, he was always one call away and everybody knew it. As a devoted father, Richard nurtured and cared for his two daughters, Regan Elizabeth Sanderson and Kaia Anastasia Sanderson. As a father he was present and attentive to every need and accomplishment. From kitchen tables on school nights helping with math homework, to wooden benches in the front row at every Volleyball game his girls played. Always demonstrating by example what it means to be a responsible and loving parent to his daughters. To Richard, his heart lived outside of his chest and he showed his love by encouraging, providing, and attending to his children by guiding them with his wisdom and love into the people they are today and have yet to become.

A Journey of accomplishments:

From earning his Bachelors of Business Administration from the Lazaridis School of Business at Wilfred Laurier University, to working alongside his father Stanley Sanderson in the finance realm, he eventually found his footing at FedEx, managing and guiding the YYZ and YHMA locations to success. Winner of the 5 star award for employee satisfaction. “The company's highest internal employee honor, presented annually to fewer than 1% of the workforce for exceptional service, teamwork, and business results”. Not to mention his 1 day paycheque from UPS. Richard was a hard worker and was described by his fellow co-workers as “strong and silent”, despite his sarcastic tone Rick was a major teddy bear. Recognized as the “driving force behind their success” and appreciated for his wit and sarcasm that kept the spirits high everyday in office. Richard often would say to his daughters that he had 30 kids and counting. His employees and all members of the YHMA team meant so much to him, giving him a reason to show up everyday and a family outside of his own.

In closing:

Rick, as we grieve the detailed futures we imagined we would have with you, I know you'd want your positivity to become our strength. You were the best. Ironically, you were also the only person who could make us laugh through this. The world needed 1 million more of you, not one less. Every wave of pain is a reminder of how deeply you were woven into us, we will not wish away the rocky waves, because the storm is proof. Proof that you were here. Proof that you mattered. Proof that we were lucky enough to love you. We will miss you always, goodnight Lil Ricky.