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eastern Ontario

This message to inform the giant pumpkin growing fraternity of the recent passing of Gus Saunders.In the early 1990s Gus was the founder of the Ottawa-St Lawrence Growers club,based in the Ottawa area.He was a dynamic organizer and promoter of the hobby.He organized the early AG seminars that attracted growers from far and wide.The great OSLG newsletter,published by Gus and wife Joan was the greatest of its time.The world record "990 Bax 94" and "945.5 De Jong 94" were part of the story then,as #1 and #2 in the world.
Gus was a dynamic achiever and a success at whatever he set his mind to. Google his Obit at -- Kelly Funeral Ottawa Ontario

1/14/2017 10:28:05 AM

Ontario, Canada

I was a member of the OSLG & looked forward to reading the newsletters & getting the seeds each spring. That is where I was 1st introduced to growing pumpkins. The 1st seminar I attended, I was surprised to see how many growers who came up from the US to attend.

Our thoughts & prayers are with Gus & his family.

1/14/2017 11:06:26 AM

Team Munson

I remember like it was yesterday my first seminar in Kempville ON I was in awe of all the heavy hitters in attendance.

I met a group of growers from New England & remember sitting in the back watching Gus "muster" the heavy hitters for a picture. My new found friend leaned over & whispered to me "we are going to be in that group some day" his name was Ron Wallace & yes I think you can say we made that group.

Gus was a key component to the structure we now have, he was a good friend & he will be missed our condolences go out to his family.

Dave & Carol

1/14/2017 12:19:15 PM

Quebec

I am sorry to hear the news of Gus passing. The energy and dedication that he put into this great hobby was simply astounding. He treated all growers equally and always was encouraging them and helping them out in any way he could. The early weigh offs he held at his farm drew in top growers from both Canada and the US. He promoted and marketed the hobby in huge fashion. He found sponsorship from all over the world. In 97 the top 4 entries in Ottawa won trips to Japan, all expenses paid. They and their pumpkins had the trip of a lifetime I'm sure. The club newsletter was unsurpassed for those times, and he started the growers trading cards. Always full of great ideas.

He also served in the Royal Canadian Navy and was an anti submarine pilot with 225 deck landings on the HMCS Bonaventure.

One of his great sayings was "I never met a pumpkin I didn't like"

Rest in peace Gus, and my condolences to Joan and family.

1/15/2017 8:12:06 AM

Cheshire Ma USA

RIP Gus, I was a member of OSLG in the 90's, I think it was one of the first clubs with a seed exchange, all of us in Western Mass planted their seeds. They were the heavy hitters of that time. Will be missed.

1/15/2017 9:41:07 AM