A Vernon man is sharing his grief after his future wife died before she had the chance to come to Canada for good.
Logan Saunders' fiancee — who was planning to immigrate to Vernon — died just four months before they were to be married.
Seven years ago, Saunders decided to change his life and began travelling the world.
He visited 52 countries on six continents and met Maria Jee-an Paladar Olivares while backpacking in the Philippines.
After much paperwork, she was awarded a Canadian visa and spent about six months here during three visits.
"In early June, we got engaged and agreed to get married in Bali at the end of this summer. Unfortunately, on June 12, she unexpectedly passed away due to a heart attack at age 40," says Saunders.
"She befriended any random stranger she encountered, here and abroad. Everyone admired and respected Jee-an. ...Her number one item on her bucket list was to visit Niagara Falls. We went there last summer while she was here for three months."
Saunders says Jee-an "was more than happy to spend the rest of her life here in Vernon."
He hopes sharing his story helps others with the grieving process.
"I never planned on being a widow at age 30 instead of being a husband and a father, as we planned," he says.
The couple spent the last seven months of Jee-an's life travelling Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, and Israel, but sadly were unable to return to Canada together.
"She was not only my partner, but also my biggest cheerleader," says Saunders.
Since her passing, Saunders says he has leaned on friends and family for support as he continues to blog and host a comedic podcast.
"Now, I feel like I write jokes I know would make Jee-an laugh, too," he says.
