THE LIFE AND STORY OF MARIO WALTIS SAUNDERS

the "MIGHTY WARRIOR"

1970 – 2013

Mario Waltis Saunders was born on the 3rd day of March, 1970 in Nassau, New Providence. He was the last child and only son of the union between Weston W. Saunders and Joann E. Saunders (nee Hanna). Everyone adored Mario from the time that he was born. He was the 'apple' of everyone's eye especially Joann, Tessie, Rhonda and Simone!

Mario began his primary education at Mary Star of the Sea School, Freeport, Grand Bahamas, then later transferred to Xavier's Lower School in 1978 when his family relocated to Nassau and graduated in 1981.

Rhonda, Simone and Mario were not only close in age, but also in every aspect of their lives. Of the three children, he was the most mischievous and daring one! While in Freeport, Mario enjoyed playing with all of his cousins especially Dwayne, Kim, Chovez, Wescott, Ralph, Darren, Danielle and Nekos in Gordon Avenue and Bahamia. On one of the many visits by older cousins Orlando, Ambie, Bernie, Chadwick and Chadwin, Mario played 'referree' to the wrestling match between Orlando and Ambie, which resulted in a broken collar bone. Everyone was in trouble!

Mario was always a quick thinker from very young. While on a picnic on Barbary Beach, Grand Bahama, Rhonda accidently lost her footing in the water and Mario, without hesitating, formed a hand chain-link with Simone and was able to pull Rhonda closely to shore before Uncle Solie came to the rescue. Needless to say, the following week, Rhonda, Simone and Mario were enrolled in the swimming Program at the Y.M.C.A. in Grand Bahama. Mario turned his 'doggy-paddle' style of swimming into competitive strokes and later certified himself as a PADI Underwater Scuba Diver.

Many adventurous and memorable summers were spent in Inagua with his grandparents Bishop Alaric W.U. Saunders "Papa' and Iris Saunders (nee Ingraham) 'Mother', Rhonda, Simone and all of the Saunders cousins namely: Orlando, Ambie, Bernie, Chadwin, Chadwick,Vanessa, Valerie, Jeremy, Johnny, Carlton, Pamela, Dwayne, Michelle, Deidre, Kim, Wescott, Chovez, Pedro, Berlie, Roslyn, Cesario, Jason, Kevin, Niecy, Elva, Zanika, Akira and Uncle Solie. The children participated in many activities from playing in the band in the Church of God of Prophecy to camping and farming in the "Ranch"; fishing in the 'Pump' and pulling taffy by Aunt Bertha and Aunt Irene. Mario on numerous occasions along with Chovez, being boys, would always somehow manage to get their arms stuck in the wringer portion of his grandmother's washer. Papa, whom Mario revered and held an unwaving amount of respect for, would save the day by hitting the machine with one strong blow releasing Mario's arm which was later attended to by 'Mother' and placed in a bucket of 'salt beef'.

Mario enjoyed the company of all of his big cousins. In Nassau, his big cousin Kevin would without fail, make his three little cousins work around his Aunt Esther's house painting the patio, raking leaves and washing cars in exchange for Happy Meals from McDonalds. He along with his other big

cousins Bernie, Chadwin and Chadwick and his sisters he along with Rhonda and Simone would play 'Cavemen'; set traps to catch birds; dissect lizards and frogs; on one occasion while the boys climbed down from the a Poinciana tree in Aunt Gen's backyard everyone heard a crash and a loud scream. It was Mario! He had fallen out of the tree and injured his right arm.

Since Mario had no brothers, he made it a weekly event every Saturday at 12 noon to wait until Simone had rollers in her hair to knock them out so he could practice the WWF moves like 'figure-four' or 'body-slam' on her. Rhonda, being the disciplinarian, would ALWAYS have to separate Simone and Mario on many occasions by turning the TV off and sending them to do various chores. This separation did not last too long, as they were back together within minutes just like nothing happened, turning over the sofa and chairs to play Cowboys and Indians, marbles, Checkers, Tick-Tack-Toe, Bingo, Monopoly and Backgammon to name a few. Rhonda, Mario and Simone loved to use their imagination to create, to disguise their voices, to record skits and plays namely scenes from the 'Tweetle Bugs' of Sesame Street.

Many weekends were also spent with the family at the Adelaide Beach House with Trey and Aunt Laurie. Lots of special moments were made at Aunt Shirley's house on Village Road with Jeremy and Johnny and their cousins, Inga, Mia and Quincy Dean.

Mario was always brilliant! He was the first and only person who could complete the Rubix Cube within minutes. Under the guidance and supervision of Rhonda, Mario made the most amazing homemade pizzas; banana bread, white rice and grits.

Mario followed his sister, Simone to St. Augustine's College (SAC) 'The Big Red Machine'. While in high school, he was active in many extra activities, sports and associations namely Boys Scott, BASRA, Humane Society, Junior BACO, Sunday School, Youth Group, Key Club, roller-skating, soccer and swimming clubs.

After graduation in 1987, Mario, decided that he would leave New Providence and relocate to Grand Bahama where he resided with his Uncle Ralph and Aunt Carolyn who spoiled him and made his favorite dish – white rice with ketchup. He also traveled to Bimini on many occasions with the family. Mario enjoyed the sea-life and decided that he would embark upon a career in the ocean as a seaman, then later captain with his Uncle Jerry and Uncle George. After a few startling trips on the waters during unexpected storms and hurricanes, Mario left his most favourite pastime and career on the waters for employment in his Uncle Walt's courier and photography company in Freeport, then later to the Abaco office as Manager and Photographer.

Mario also admired his Uncle Winkie, who was a 'Mr. Fix-it-All'! He learned how to repair many things. His love for fixing all things grew even stronger and was continued into adulthood. Mario spent a lot of time with Dwayne and Romy in Miami and later in Freeport.

After a few years, Mario decided that he would enter into the field of banking which he began at Finance Corporation of The Bahamas Limited and then Bank of The Bahamas, Eight Mile Rock.

While in Grand Bahama, Mario had a productive life. He would often boast that he was able to save and sacrifice for his own home by the young age of twenty-seven (27) years old. He made many lasting friendships through his familial and working relations. Mario knew the Lord and always felt a calling on his life. During the years he spent in Grand Bahama he decided to take a brief hiatus from his working life to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, an achievement of which he and his family was very proud although his original direction was towards accounting and then dentistry.

Mario, the "Mighty Warrior" was indeed a friend to all! He would ALWAYS go the extra mile to assist everyone in whatever way he could. Whenever life threw him lemons he would make lemonade with a smile! .

Mario's return to New Providence in 2007 offered him a "new lease" on life. His family and friends in Nassau were elated to have him return as he was always the "life of the party" with his infectious, big, wide smile, hugs and kisses, boisterous laugh and 'signature deep' dimples. Mario began employment with BAF Financial as an Insurance Agent. It did not take him long to sit and pass his exams to become an Insurance Broker.

Shortly after Mario's return to Nassau, he met and fell in love with his wife Chaunece (nee Ferguson) in June, 2008 . They were married on the 17th July, 2009 and welcomed the birth of their only child, Myles Alaric, on the 6th day of December, 2009.

Mario was a dedicated family man, was a loving husband and a proud and doting father. He would refer to Chaunece always as "My Wife" and Myles was always "My Son". His family and friends would joke and make comments that " Mario must be the only one in the world with a wife and a son!" He was especially awestruck by his beloved Myles, 'Mini Me'! He wanted only the best for Myles hence Mario made a genuine effort to provide for his family, by taking on various new business ventures while holding a full- time job. Many of the ventures included Bahamas Organic Chicken and Vegetable Farm.

Mario, after some time in the insurance industry decided that he wanted more and gained employment with MSC Shipping. He later ventured into Real Estate and sat the local exam to become a Realtor. Mario was an amazing individual who never stopped learning and working to become the best at whatever he did. In fact he was so good that it was often said that "Mario could sell ice to eskimos"! In addition to his many fine qualities, Mario was quite fond of the Spanish language and practiced as often as he would with anyone who spoke the language. He was known to not only have charm, but skill and intelligence.

Mario was a Dreamer in addition to an ambitious, caring, loving, multi-skilled and talented young man with a BIG heart…a HEART OF GOLD! He was definitely also a 'Mr. Fix-It-All' with certifications and qualifications in navigating, fishing, farming, air-conditioning, refrigeration, fitness (ISSA), CPR and First Aid. No matter what the task all his friends and family just called Mario, the "Mighty Warrior" and he would come to the rescue and fix it. He did it all! Mario, the fearless, sailed boats, flew planes, drove tractors and heavy duty equipment, and even rode a Ninja motorbike. There was also a softer side of Mario that many people did not know. He enjoyed working on smaller projects

in his pastime especially leather goods, bags and belts and crocheted pieces of clothing for his family and close friends.

Mario loved life and never wasted a minute! Whenever life's challenges appeared to knock him down he would always bounce right back on his feet with boundless energy and determination. He epitomized resourcefulness and resiliency! He was dedicated to fitness and healthy living. He trained and promoted good eating habits as a certified ISSA fitness instructor. Mario finally decided to combine all of his talents and skills into one area of concentration – Construction. As an entrepreneur, he incorporated and established the business 'MAS Construction' which was of course named after his beloved son Myles Alaric Saunders.

Mario had an unwavering love for his mother, whom he treasured and protected throughout his entire life! In the last few weeks, Mario began spending even more time alone with her as he shared his immediate future business plans and dreams with her.

On the early morning of Saturday the 9th day of November, 2013, Mario, the Mighty Warrior, husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin, relative and friend bode farewell to his earthly journey and made his entry into the Heavenly Kingdom with the most beautiful and peaceful smile on his face!