Garnet Claude Snow

92 Years of Life

On June 16th, 2016 Claude was reunited with the love of his life, Doris, who preceded him in death in 2009.

Claude was born in Heppner, Oregon on Feb. 3rd, 1924 to Kemper and Evelyn Snow. After graduating from Heppner High School in 1942, Claude moved to Spokane and enlisted in the Navy. On June 18th, 1943, he married Doris Oscarson and they shared a wonderful life together for 66 years.

A decorated Navy veteran of WWII, Claude saw action in the south Pacific as a crew chief on a submarine hunting aircraft, part of Bombing Squadron 118 “The Old Crows”. After discharge from the Navy, Claude and Doris settled in Newport, Washington where they began raising their family. He worked for the Diamond Match Company and also ran a successful photography business.

In 1959 they moved to Spokane. He worked as a driver for Blue Bell Potato Chip Co. and Holsum Bakery, before starting his career with the Washington state Highway Department. He was an Assistant Superintendent when he retired in 1985. Claude and Doris traveled the U.S., recording their adventures with photographs and videos. They enjoyed being HAM radio operators, sitting on their deck watching the birds, and most of all, spending time with their family and friends.

Claude was preceded in death by his beloved wife Doris, brothers Bill Snow and Richard Johnson and cherished in-laws and friends. He is survived by his 6 children, Karen King and Patricia Blair of Everett WA, Janet (Roger) Swan of Colbert WA, Claudia Barnett of Spokane, Curtis (Suzi ) Snow of Waldport OR and JoAn (LaRoy) Sanders of Cheney WA. He is also survived by his brother Larry Johnson, sister Nancy Bolin, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and a large, loving extended family and network of great friends.

We say goodbye to an extraordinary man who never lost sight of what really matters in life: family, friends, hard work and honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children,

911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane WA 99204

Arrangements under the direction of Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.