Richard Snell

Donald Richard (Dick) Snell, was born in Denver on December 15th, 1934 to Thelma Snell (Leeds) and Edward Snell.

As a child, his family moved to Gering, Nebraska where he went through school and was involved in many athletics as a Gering Bulldog. At the age of 16 years old, he fell in love with a cheerleader for the Scottsbluff Bearcats named Janie Joachim. They were married in September of 1954 and for 70 years at the time of his passing.

Dick graduated from Gering High School and went on to graduate with a degree in Pharmacology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. In the early 1960’s, after moving back to Scottsbluff, NE, he started his own very successful business known as Snell Pharmacy. By that time, he and Janie had welcomed three children to the family.

Dick was involved in the Masons, became a Shriner and always participated in the parades. He was a member of Rotary Club, Board of Directors of Community Christian School as one of the founders, and he served faithfully as an Elder at Monument Bible Church and was a member of the Gideons for several years. Dick was a respected and beloved member of the communities of the Platte Valley.

Upon retirement, Dick and Jane had a vision to convert an old abandoned horse barn into a Bed and Breakfast. Blood, sweat, and tears went into that project and out of that endeavor came Barn Anew. They used their lovely facility to host weddings, community events, church functions, and it was the family hub of holidays for many years.

Dick and Jane were members of Bridge Clubs, Dance Clubs, and numerous Bible Studies. Dick was a sponsor of the Mayors Prayer Breakfast for many years. He enjoyed also being a Foster Grandparent at the grade school.

In 2008, they moved to Loveland, CO and loved everything about it. They made frequent trips to Estes Park and spent time in the Rocky Mountains. Dick loved the turning of the Aspens and it was a yearly event to go see the beautiful golden colors against the mountainside. He became active in their church and was a faithful servant for as long as his health allowed.

Dick loved fishing and hunting, family vacations, playing golf, shooting pool at the Community Center, the Denver Broncos and the Nuggets as well as the CU Buffaloes. Above all, he loved spending time with family.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother Gordon, and Son-in-Law Alvin Reifschneider.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jane, daughters Carol Frost and Susan Reifschneider, son Tom Snell and wife Judy; Grandchildren Mia (David) White, Trey (Amanda) Yarnall, Shane Yarnall, Alison (Jason) Mayes, Robin Reifschneider (Joey Stewart), Tyler (Jess) Snell, J.D. Snell, and Jessica Snell; Great Grandchildren Grace, Lincoln, Cooper, Quinn, Dylan, Axel, Ellie, Dafney and Margot.

There will be a Memorial Celebration of Life on Saturday June 29th at 2:00pm in Loveland, CO at Faith Church, (2707 Wilson Ave). Any contributions can be made to Faith Church.