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Gary Snyder

Posted 2017-08-03 by Judy Wight Branson
The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Sunday, July 30, 2017, page 7a

Gary Snyder, 70, passed away on July 19, 2017, in Prescott, Ariz. A
memorial service will be held on August 12, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Prescott.

Gary was born in Canton, Ohio to Wilbur and Frances (Anderson)
Snyder on April 21, 1947. Gary and his family moved to Arizona in
1958. He attended Alhambra High School in Phoenix, Ariz., Class of
1965. Gary studied Music Education at Northern Arizona University,
graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in 1971, followed by his
Master’s degree in 1978.

He met his loving wife, Shirley, at NAU and they were married on
June 12, 1971, in Phoenix. Gary worked as a music educator in the
state of Arizona for 40+ years. He taught at Wickenburg High School,
Prescott High School, Cibola High School, Yuma Catholic High School,
and Gila Ridge High School. During this time he also taught
photography, music appreciation, and guitar. Music and music
education were his passion through his entire life. His second
passion was being a dad and the best grandpa ever.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his cousin, Ed Miller.

Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Snyder, son,
Michael (Susan) Snyder, daughter, Rebecca (Christopher) Allender,
sisters; Sandy Snyder and Terri (Tim) Banasek, grandchildren;
Cassidy, Zane and Reed and several cherished nephews, nieces, and
cousins. Gary’s musical legacy can be found in the thousands of
students whose lives he has touched.

In lieu of flowers, our family is requesting that donations be made
to the Cibola High School band program in Yuma, Ariz. or Prescott
High School band program in Prescott, Ariz.

Please log on to www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Gary’s guestbook and
share a memory with the family. Arrangements entrusted to Ruffner-
Wakelin Funeral Homes.

Information provided by survivors.




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