Don & Una Saunders

Happy Valley Moravian Church held a farewell tea for Don and Una Saunders on October 1, 2009. They are moving to New Brunswick in order to be closer to their son and his family.

Just a little history... Happy Valley began in 1943 when three families who had come to find employment at Goose Air Base settled there. They were John Broomfield from Big Bay, Thorwald and Alice (Perrett)Perrault from Makkovik, and Gilbert and Eliza Saunders from Davis Inlet. The men found work with McNamara Construction Company which was building the base, and later worked on the ‘American side’. Gilbert Saunders, one of the founders, was the father of Don Saunders. Don would have been a young lad then. These same families, along with a few more, were instrumental in building the Moravian Church in 1954.

Don and his wife Una have always been actively involved with their community and church. It is with much sadness that we have to say farewell to them, but our good wishes go with them.

The following messages were read during the farewell tea held for Don and Una. They were presented with gifts made from Labrador tartan material, a vest and a shawl.

MESSAGES

Hello Don & Una,

I am only one in hundreds that will miss you in Happy Valley. One of the most memorable instances that I have of Happy Valley is when Bishop Graf and I entered the Happy Valley annex last January and you turned and upon seeing us you welcomed each of us with a big "Welcome Home." You and Una have made Happy Valley and all of Labrador feel like home to me. I am sure that you have made many others feel at home over your life of dedicated service in Happy Valley. I wish you many blessings as you relocate to New Brunswick. I am sure that within several weeks the locals there will feel that they have known you for your entire life. The Spirit of Christ is shown through your life.

Loren Jendro


Hi Don & Una,

Greetings from Lake Mills, WI. We have great memories from working with you and everyone at the church in Happy Valley. Best wishes as you move to your new home in New Brunswick.

Erna & Bill Kiessling


Don & Una,

When I walk into the church, I can feel with how much love it was built, and you were a big part of it.

When I stayed with you, I experienced more fun, laughter, and great work at the women's meetings, than anywhere else -- the heart and soul of the fall fair. Thank you for everything you did and everything you are. May God's rich blessing go with you and continue to bless others through you, as he blessed us.
Brigitte. (Schloss)


Don & Una,

You have been builders of the Happy Valley Church. To say you will be missed is an understatement. It is like removing the cornerstone from the church.

Don, I will miss your smiling presence. You were always there to see what needed to be done. Not only at church, but I remember you shovelling off the roof for Cheryl one winter! I hope you will get a well deserved break in your new home in New Brunswick.

Una, you are an inspiration. You have led so many projects for the church. With your health difficulties, this was not always easy. Yet you did not use that as an excuse to sit back. Your unruffled character encourages others to bear one's burden with dignity. I am so glad that you will now get to spend time with your family. We wish you and Don many joys in your new home.

Joan Andersen
on behalf of the Moravian Church in NL


TRIBUTE AND THANKS by Amos Lyall

This Christmas will mark the 55th anniversary of the Happy Valley Moravian Church. Don and Una Saunders have been faithful servants --- chapel servants --- during most, if not all of those years. From working on the construction of the building to shovelling snow in the winter; from sewing curtains and stitching altar cloths; to guiding other chapel servants and many ministers in wise discussion and decisions; from serving apples and candles on Christmas Eve to encouraging young people in their faith; to contributing knowledge and wisdom to provincial conferences and other meetings; in all of this and much, much more, Don and Una have been faithful servants.
On behalf of the Moravian Church in NFLD and Labrador it is my honour and duty to present you these parting gifts, small symbols of our appreciation. May you wear them with the pride that their heritage represents, both as Labradorians and as Christians: one a vest of courage; the other a mantle of protection. God bless you.


BENEDICTION

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.