The wife of a Durham Region man who died this week of COVID-19 has spoken out about her loss in a heartfelt tribute on social media.

On her Facebook page, Katy Saunders spoke of the grief she’s feeling over the death of her husband, 48-year-old Keith Saunders, and thanked members of the community for their support during her husband’s struggle with the disease.

“My sweet gentle giant husband Keith Saunders passed away last night. I have many emotions right now,” a post from March 26 said. “But I am so thankful for everyone who has reached out to me. I am doing my best to try and navigate this nightmare.”

Saunders, an employee at the Great Canadian Superstore on Gibb Street in Oshawa, was hospitalized March 19 and died March 25, according to the Durham Regional Health Department.

Saunders is one of three Durham Region residents to die of COVID-19, according to the health department. An 82-year-old man with a history of travel also died of the virus March 25.

On March 24, a 92-year-old woman who was a resident of the Hillsdale Terraces seniors home in Oshawa also succumbed to the virus.

The provincial health ministry said Friday that 18 people in the province have died of COVID-19.

Katy Saunders said in a Facebook post March 19 Keith was in the intensive care unit at the hospital in Oshawa and was being tested for the disease, which is caused by the novel coronavirus.

“He’s not in great shape,” Katy said, noting staff at the hospital were awaiting results of Keith’s COVID-19 test. “It’s a waiting game.”

Katy’s Facebook page thereafter was flooded with wishes for Keith’s recovery and for her personal well-being. One heart-rending post, from March 23, featured a picture of her holding a necklace bearing two gold rings.

“Holding onto your necklace and ring till you decide where you are going to go,” the post read. “My hope is that you are going to come home.”

On March 26, Katy wrote that her “soulmate” had lost his fight with the virus.

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“He wore his heart on his sleeve. Was extremely dedicated to his job and coworkers. But never was too busy to help anyone and everyone,” Katy wrote.

“I love you my wolverine,” she wrote. “You fought to your last breath.”

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