SANDERSON – Ira Charles was born on January 27, 1952 in Brandon, Manitoba, eldest son of Charles and Doris Sanderson. His early years were spent in Carberry and Brandon. Following his marriage to Vinetta Yeo on June 8, 1973, Ira enrolled at Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon, graduating in 1977. He served as Pastor in Semans and Naicam, Saskatchewan, Roseisle, Manitoba (interim), Fort Garry and Sherwood Assembly in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in, Bracebridge, Ontario. Most recently, he and Vinetta joined the leadership team at Kitchener Gospel Temple, Kitchener, Ontario, working in the area of Pastoral Care. From January, 1998 to July 2007, Ira served fourteen different Assemblies, helping them through the difficulties of pastoral transition. His compassion and wise leadership suited him well for this role. Ira loved practical ministry and offered his help wherever there was a need. Over the years, this involved construction, carpentry, painting, driving a combine and many other odd-jobs. 

Ira loved his family and is survived by his wife, Vinetta, daughter and son-in-law, Jaylene and Jason Gervais, his two beautiful girlies (granddaughters) Eliah (2) and Avrielle (1). He will also be missed by his extended family, Dad (Charlie Sanderson), Dad and Mom Yeo (Jack and Marion), sisters Lynn Sanderson and Carol Robbins, brothers Kent (Shari) Sanderson and Brock (Angie) Sanderson, in-laws Yvonne and Al Downey, Arvilla and Gord Reimer, Glenn and Sandra Yeo, Weldon and Laurie Yeo, and his nieces and nephews. Ira was predeceased by his loving son Jamie in 1982, his special Grandma Johnson, and his mother Doris. 

Ira was diagnosed for the second time with cancer in 2001. He has demonstrated his strong personal faith and resolute courage throughout this long battle. He never lost his unique sense of humor, his hearty laugh, or his desire to lovingly care for the needs of others. 

Ira passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus, his Savior and friend, at 5:05 PM on Sunday, December 9, 2007 in the Brantford General Hospital. 

He fought a good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith, he won the crown. 

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Ira’s life at the Carman Pentecostal Assembly, Carman, Manitoba at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 19, 2007. All are welcome one hour prior to the service to join the family in paying respects to Ira. The interment, at the Bethel Community Cemetery, Roland, Manitoba, will immediately follow the service of celebration. The family invites you to a lunch-reception at the Carman Pentecostal Assembly after the committal. At the request of Ira and Vinetta, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Manhattan Beach Pentecostal Camp, 187 Henlow Bay, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1G4.