Howard Andrew Snyder took his last breath March 25, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow. He was surrounded by family and friend. His diseased lungs and heart no longer provided his ability to attend his great nieces and nephews and his friend, Sharon’s grandchildren’s sporting events. He had been able to watch his beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs and enjoy their march through to the sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Howard was born December 22, 1934 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Andrew and Mary Schaan Snyder. His Dad had a successful oil business, but lost it during the depression due to extending debt that customers were unable to repay. His Dad and Mom along with their 4 little boys packed their car and boat loaded with the only possessions they could bring to Yakima, Washington. After managing a store for Bellevue Market on South 1st Street, Mr. Snyder received a break; bought a store in Union Gap for $1 and a handshake, and was able to make many friends and customers and built a successful business employing all of his children in the store.
After Howard graduated from high school, he joined the National Guard before enlisting in the Army. His brother, Damian was his drill sergeant. He was asked, “how did that work for you?” He stated, he still followed orders even if it was from his brother.
Howard was proud of his successes on the basketball courts at St. Paul’s and Marquette, and then went on to play basketball at YVCC. After enlisting in the military, he played basketball on the enlisted men’s travelling team in West Point, New York. He made the all-star team and was selected to play in the First Regimental Tournament in Ft. Jay, New York. He contributed his successes to a love of the sport in addition to a lot of practice and hard work. His love of the sport continued as a spectator watching his great nieces and nephews along with watching his friend, Sharon’s grandchildren play their various sports. In addition to basketball, he was interested in and participated in many sports: baseball, football, Yakima Parks and Recreation Volleyball, played pool and made many new friends at the Harmon Center, bowling, pheasant hunting, skiing, hiking and backpacking with his brother, Ron, and Steelhead fishing with his brother, Harold mainly on the Klickitat River, enjoyed a cruise with his friend, Sharon, to Alaska in 2010. He watched many basketball and volleyball tournaments at the Sundome while visiting with his buddies that were also avid fans. He loved animals and after his cats died, he spent many hours at Dan’s and Linda’s home playing and tormenting their animals and bringing them special treats. His greatest enjoyment was being with his family and friends.
Howard was loved by all his nieces and nephews, Dr. Ray Snyder, Sandi Hays, Tammy Fischer, Gail Cunneely, Lorna Huck, Michael Snyder, and Angela and Kurt Rickman. A highlight of Howard’s later years in life was reconnecting with his adopted son, Brett Snyder and meeting his granddaughters, McKenna, Kaylee, and Brooks and great granddaughter, Jenell Magallanes.
Howard was preceded in death by his brothers, Dan, Harold, Damian, and sister, Mary. He is survived by his brother, Ron and sister-in-law Sherlyn, his sisters-in-law, Linda, Bernice, Joan and brother-in-law, Jerry Goodman, along with his nieces, nephews, son, grandchildren, Sharon and her children.
Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses that helped him along the way, and the love and compassionate care at his last two days at Cottage in the Meadows.
Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 15 S. 12th Ave., Yakima, Washington 98901, Friday, April 5, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., reception to follow and then a Military Salute at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to La Salle School Foundation or to Rev. Msgr. John A. Ecker Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Snyder family.
