Rev. Ira Sanderson passed away on December 9, 2007 at the Brantford General Hospital after a lengthy courageous battle with cancer.

Ira was born on January 27, 1952 in Brandon, Manitoba, eldest son of Charles and Doris Sanderson. His early years of schooling and work were spent in Brandon.

Following his marriage to Vinetta Yeo on June 8, 1973, Ira enrolled at Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, graduating in 1977. He ministered with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada for 33 years. His pastoral engagements included Semans and Naicam, Saskatchewan (twice); Roseisle, Manitoba (interim); Fort Garry Assembly, Winnipeg, Manitoba (assistant); Sherwood Assembly, Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Bracebridge, Ontario. From January 1998 to July 2007, Ira worked in consultation with the Western Ontario District as a transitional pastor, serving 14 assemblies, including Huntsville. Most recently, Ira, together with Vinetta, served Kitchener Gospel Temple as pastoral care pastors.

Ira is survived by his wife Vinetta, daughter Jaylene and her husband Jason Gervais, and granddaughters Eliah and Avrielle. Ira was predeceased by their five-year-old son Jamie in 1982. He fought a good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith.

Funeral services were held at Kitchener Gospel Temple, December 13, 2007 and in Carman, Manitoba December 19, 2007 followed by interment at the Bethel Community Cemetery, Roland, Manitoba.