MUCH-LOVED, community-minded Bromsgrovian Steve Sanders has passed away at the age of 67, on Sunday, June 11.
His wife Anne said that, despite his health problems which had included two heart bypasses and stents in his heart, it came as a great shock.
“I have called people up to let them know and everyone I have spoken to can’t believe it.
“They all said he was always so full of life, so jovial and always on the go.”
Steve was born in Hayes, Middlesex, and moved to Bromsgrove 30 years ago. He was a member of the town’s Court Leet and Bromsgrove Golf Club, being the seniors team captain last year.
After leaving school at 16, he joined the Royal Air Force where he met his wife Anne. They married in Wiltshire in December 1971 and honeymooned in Lloret de Mar.
“They say ‘opposites attract’ and that was true with Steve and I – he was always go, go go.”
The pair went on to have two children – James and Claire – and three grandchildren, Erin, five, Flynn, two, and Wilf, five months.
After ten years in the RAF, Steve took a position at Kalamazoo in Longbridge which is why the pair moved to Bromsgrove. He left Kalamazoo in 1991 to form a successful software company with a friend and business partner.
When Steve retired he started playing golf and became a member of Bromsgrove Golf Club.
He was senior club captain last year and this year he was captain of the Royal Air Force Society golf team.
Anne said: “He always said he never wanted to take up golf until he had enough time to dedicate to it and that is what he did. He used to play most days.”
Steve also enjoyed gardening, holidays and socialising with friends. He and Anne had travelled all over the world and particularly liked going on cruises.
“He could upset people sometimes because he always spoke his mind but he would do anything for anyone and I think that is what he will be remembered for,” said Anne.
Steve was looking forward to an RAF reunion this weekend and becoming Bailiff of the Bromsgrove Court Leet in due course.
Anne said that he had a lot of things he was thankful for.
“He always said he’d be happy to see his children grown up with homes and children of their own, he has seen that.”
The funeral will take place at 2.45pm on July 5 at Redditch Crematorium.
Afterwards there will be a wake at Bromsgrove Golf Centre, Old Stratford Road, Bromsgrove.
The family has requested family flowers only but donations can be made to Help for Heroes and RAFA.
Call James Giles and Sons for more information on 01527 872318.
