COUNCIL #8282 - ST. VIATOR REMEMBERS |
JOHN SNYDER John Henry Snyder, 71, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family. John was born on March 16, 1947 in Wichita, Kan. He graduated from Chaplain Kapaun High School in Wichita. He earned a B.A. Degree in English and Speech from the University of Kansas in 1970, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and an M.S. Degree in Computer Education from Nova University in 1984. His passion was teaching. He operated with the motto, "Treat every child as if he/she is your own." He spent 36 years in the classroom, during which he taught at South High School, Fargo, N.D. (English/Debate); Wichita State University, Wichita (English); Hyde Park Junior High School, Las Vegas, (English/Computer Science); Chaparral High School, Las Vegas (Computer Science); Cimarron-Memorial High School, Las Vegas (Computer Science); Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas (Computer Science). His special recognitions include Nevada State Teacher of the Year (1990), Milken National Educator Award (1992), and Dolly Parton Chasing Rainbows Award (2003). He was inducted into the National Teacher's Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. in 2007. He served as a reservist in the United States Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge in 1969. He was an active parishioner and lector at St. Viator Catholic Community where he was also active in the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, hand bell choir and rosary making group. His avocations included programming, didjeridu, website construction, virtual reality, bird photography and song writing. His interests included Tuvan throat singing, studying Arabic, pistol shooting and collecting unusual ties. His memorable sayings include, "I'm darn near perfect (and terribly modest)," "Hard to be humble when you're this good," and "I'm in shape! Round's a shape!" John was preceded in death by parents, Jeanne Marie (nee King) Snyder, Cathleen Ann (nee Collins) "Kay" Snyder and Melvin Henry Snyder, all of Wichita, Kan.; and father-in-law George Matthew Michael Reilly of Elizabeth, N.J. He is survived by his loving wife, of 34 years, Patricia Reilly Snyder of Las Vegas; their two beloved children, Matthew Melvin George Snyder (Allison) of Henderson, and Mark John Joseph Snyder (Rebecca) of Batavia, Ill.; and cherished grandchildren, Brooke Reilly Snyder and Katherine Lucy Snyder. Also surviving are siblings Janet Ellen Snyder (Jeff Greenham) of Morgantown, W.V., Mary Snyder Shall (John McCarthy) of Richmond, Va., Ann Snyder Rishell (Michael) of Mesa, Ariz., Susan Dolores Snyder (Michael Gebert) of Chicago, and Robert Melvin George Snyder (Gina) of Powder Springs, Ga.; mother-in-law Joan Adele Reilly of Elizabeth, N.J.; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at Palm Mortuary with Rosary Service at 6 p.m., both at 7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 1 at St. Viator Catholic Church, 2461 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Burial to follow at Palm Mortuary and Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the many friends and family who provided unwavering support over the past eight years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Teacher's Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. (nthf.org) in honor of a teacher who made a difference in their lives. |