Mark Alden Snyder

Mark was raised in Chicago, Illinois the son of Ross and Martha Snyder. He graduated from Denver University in 1956 and from the University of Chicago Medical School in 1960. He spent the next 10 years in surgical training becoming Board certified in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Having been drafted into the US Army as a physician in 1963 he spent tours of duty in Greenland and Virginia. He married the love of his life, Jenny C. Hansen of St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1963. They had three children, Douglas, Julia, and Jennifer.

The family moved to Yakima, Washington in 1970 to begin the practice of Thoracic Surgery in association with Justin Aalpoel, M.D. In 1978 he was one of three Cardiothoracic Surgeons to start the current open heart surgical program at what was then Providence Medical Center. Mark pioneered the use of computer generated patient care data for quality control, served as the chief of the combined hospital medical staff, and was publically active in championing medical malpractice legislation on a local and statewide level.

Two of Marks favorite places were in the operating room and hiking above timberline. He enjoyed skiing and exploring the Cascade Range with local hiking groups. With the enthusiasm and hard work of his wife, Jenny, the family was known to raise dogs, horses, and stray animals on their farm. They also served as a dedicated host family to over seventy-five foreign exchange students. Mark’s life will continue to be celebrated by his wife Jenny, his son Douglas, daughters Julia and Jennifer, daughter-in-law Judy, son-in-law Billy, grandchildren Aubrey and Tyrus and faithful boarder collie Kilty.

Memorials can be made to:

Yakima Symphony Orchestra

32 N. 3rd Street #333

Yakima, WA 98901

A memorial service will be held at 3pm, Tuesday, April 12th at the Englewood Christian Church, 511 N. 44th Avenue. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.