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Whether in a shopping center surrounded by a complex North Pole complex, beckoning to the crowd at the end of Santa Claus parade or on vacation with his family to the lake – Brian Sanderson was still Santa Claus of every child he met.
The actor was well known in Winnipeg for his ability to portray Kris Kringle and deliver a "ho, ho, ho" in full swing.
Sanderson has played Santa Claus for more than 20 years at the Polo Park Mall, in films specially designed for television and in countless retirement homes, community centers and holiday parties in the city. He also lived his dream playing in Santa's parade in Winnipeg.
At the age of 77, Sanderson died in his sleep on October 31st. He leaves behind three children, a son-in-law, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
"It made him so happy"
Sanderson began playing Santa Claus regularly 26 years ago at Portage Place, said his daughter-in-law Katherine Bailey.
At the beginning of his life, he wore an artificial beard. After a child shot him during a Christmas season, he started growing his own beard – which he kept all year.
Allan Palmer and Brian Sanderson pose for a Christmas picture in 1999. (Kim Palmer)
While his hair was naturally white and his beard long, Sanderson was still looking a little like Santa, even in shorts.
"It did not matter where we were – whether it was the summer, the winter, or the lake – it just mattered – he just lived it – it made him so happy. "said Bailey.
"He wanted to be Santa forever."
Winnipeg filmmaker Shelly Anthis, who has worked with Sanderson on several films including Hallmark 2016 This is a wonderful woman, Admits even in adulthood, it made him feel the spirit of Christmas.
"When you met Santa Brian, you had the impression of knowing yourself all your life, he had that gleam in his eyes," she said.
Anthis is organizing this year a collection of toys in memory of Sanderson to create additional toys for children in need. His family supports the campaign, saying that Daddy, also known as Gramps, would be honored to see toys given to children on his behalf.
Lillian Hallaren-Harrison played Ms. Claus alongside Brian Sanderson over the last ten years. Both were also partners and best friends. (Walther Bernal / CBC)
A favorite among parents
Lillian Hallaren-Harrison was Sanderson's partner and best friend. She also played Mrs. Claus alongside Sanderson when needed.
At Polo Park, Harrison's job was to prepare the children for their picture with Santa Claus. She recalls that Sanderson made a special effort to know each child's name before sitting down. He also studied toy catalogs to find out the names of all toys – and their cost.
When kids were asking for expensive electronic devices, like iPads or smartphones, Sanderson was trying to keep them away from a cheaper toy.
Moms would wink and give Sanderson a boost, she said.
Peter Havens, General Manager of Polo Park, said Sanderson and Sanderson would be terribly missed at Sanderson.
"His warm heart and caring nature have been the cornerstone of our Santa experience for over 20 years," wrote Havens in an email.
Alice Dano and Kim Palmer, right, sit with Brian Sanderson on the set of "C is a Wonderful Woman" in 2016. (Courtesy Kim Palmer)
Sanderson, while reluctant to promise expensive items, is committed to making kids believe the magic of Christmas, every day of the year.
At his camp at Chesley's Resort, his daughter-in-law and son-in-law claimed that he was walking around with candy canes in case a child would give him a second look.
"It was very important for him to be able to make that connection, to make them believe, to believe in Santa Claus was huge," Bailey said.
According to his wishes, Sanderson will rest in his Santa Claus costume with red and white velvet finishes. A public service for him will be held on Friday at 11 am at the Charleswood United Church.
With files from Holly Caruk
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