SNYDER, Don Snyder

His family, supporting his decision, were with him at the end. His memory and awareness never faltered.

The love of his life, Barbara, and he were married for almost 69 years. He was the second son of Len and Louise (Burton) Snyder and had one brother, Robert Wave Snyder (2007).

He was born in Walkerville and in his early years lived on Moy Avenue near Ottawa Street, where his backyard was across the alley from the home of Barbara Snyder, (no relation) on Hall. They played together, went to school together (King George) and began to date in high school (Walkerville). They married in 1957 when Don was in the RCAF and was posted to Alberta.

Don was a long-time member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), a Paul Harris Fellow and hosted many foreign exchange students. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce, the local Council of Scouts Canada, The Friends of the Court (Mackenzie Hall) and the Rotary Children’s Safety Village. He was a President of the local branch of Save the Children and later became National President of Save the Children-Canada and represented Canada in Europe, Africa and Central America. In Africa he visited Nyeri in Kenya, the grave site of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting.

Don was given many awards, from Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1969 when he was thirty-six, to Senior of the Year when he was in his eighties. He was named a Man of Peace by the YM- YWCA and was awarded the Silver Acorn by Scouts Canada and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for his work with Save the Children-Canada.

With his business partner, Don Spafford, he bought the Labelle Terrace, a 1905 eight-unit townhouse in downtown Windsor. They revived and renovated it into an office and commercial complex called The Corner of Chatham and Dougall.
His passion for historical architecture led to his involvement with the rescue and restoration of the former Essex County Courthouse to what is now Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre.

In the early nineties, he fell in love with France, and he and Barbara went to live there frequently, for weeks or months at a time. They lived in a renovated stone farm building in Normandy, a hillside villa in Provence and high up a mountain, near The Citadel, in Annecy, in the Alps east of Lyon.

They have five wonderful children who are deeply loved by both Don and Barbara. Rob, died in 2019. Beth Sanders (Scott) died in 1981. Three remaining daughters, The Emilys, have helped Don and Barbara stay in their home together. Lauren Snyder-Gault (Kelly), Jennifer S. Moore (Mike) and Mary Snyder-Pont (Brian). Grandchildren Mitchell (Emily), Jasmin (Aaron), Greg, Adam (Tracey), Eric (Lexi), Lara, Erin, and great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Avery, Finley, Savannah and Hallie will cherish the love and lessons provided by their Poppy.

Don felt very fortunate to have had good friends, and especially strong friendships with Don Spafford, Fred Sorrell (2022) and Evelyn McLean (2020).

A Celebration will be held at Tecumseh United Church (333 Lacasse Blvd) on October 21. Please visit from 11am. A service will begin at 12pm and join us for a luncheon afterwards. His ashes will be interred in Windsor Grove, at a later date.

In memory of Don, as he always said, be kind to others.

Arrangements entrusted to Families First 1065 Lauzon Rd., East Windsor. (519) 969-5841. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca