Obituary of Mark A. Snyder

Mark Snyder March 18, 1958 - July 31, 2020 Mark Snyder, beloved by all who knew him, passed away peacefully at home on July 31. He was born on March 18, 1958 in Mankato, Minnesota to Rodney Arthur Snyder and Mary Pat Ascheman. He grew up and went to high school in Sherburn, Minnesota. He then moved to Alaska where he worked with youth in outdoor recreation at Fort Richardson Army Base. He married Bette Jo (BJ) Peters, and together they owned and operated Barb's Florist Shop. They moved to the Squaxin Island Reservation in the 1990s where he was employed as the Youth Activities Coordinator for many years. He later worked as a driver for Skookum Creek Tobacco Company, and it was from there that he retired in 2019. He met the love of his life, Darla Strate, on September 13, 2014, and they instantly became two peas in a pod. Their world evolved around all kinds of sports, next to their kids and grandkids. They actively participated in fantasy football and fantasy baseball together. They married on June 13, 2020. Mark enjoyed golfing (especially at Salish Cliffs), softball, boating, riding motorcycles, playing and watching all kinds of sports, and, especially, spending time with his grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Darla Snyder; son, Daniel Snyder (girlfriend Jessica Cruz and sons, Blaze and Walt); daughters, Laura Snyder and Amber Gomez (husband Ramon and daughters/sons, Jazmyn, Alexia, Markus, Maddox, Mavrik, Xzandra); stepsons, Jeremie Walls and Justin Demattos; brothers, Mike Snyder of Windom, Minnesota, Greg Snyder of River Falls, Wisconsin, and Tim Snyder of Windom, Minnesota, and his wife, Robin; and nieces, Katy, Emma and Chloe. Mark will always be remembered for how much he loved and connected with kids. He was always laughing and joking and teasing - in a loving way. He wore his heart on his sleeve and sincerely cared about people. He will be greatly missed! His service was held at the Squaxin Island Tribe's Sacred Grounds at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8th.