George Alan Snyder

Our father, Dr, George A. Snyder, often would describe his accomplishments as not bad for a farm boy from a small town in South Dakota. He grew up on a family farm near Conde, South Dakota.His parents were educators.George excelled at baseball and basketball in high school and went on to play both in college at Colorado State. He met and married his lifelong wife, Agnes (Floss) there. He served on active duty in the Army briefly following college where he first picked up a golf club. Golf would become a lifelong passion and he played at a very high level.He co-held the course record at Northern Hills for many years and won the Sheldon Open here in Rochester. In the last year of his life he routinely recorded rounds less than his age of 79 including a 68. George followed his parents into education.He taught junior high in Santa Cruz, CA before returning the South Dakota to finish his Master of Education at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, and his education doctorate degree, EDD, at the University of South Dakota. He was hired by Rochester Public Schools in 1967 as principal of Kellogg Junior High. He would hold various district level positions including Associate Superintendent before his retirement. George was a relentless advocate for students and teachers as an administrator. His passions as an educator followed him into retirement when he was certified as a Natural Golf teaching professional and hired as the first girls golf coach at Century High School, a position he held for 12 years. George forever retained his curiosity and passion for learning. For all his accomplishments nothing was more important than his family and friends. He loved unconditionally, always found a way to praise and instruct, was quick with a smile and quicker with a hug. He taught his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, by example, that life was meant to be an adventure to be lived with joy, passion, and above all, love. George passed away on January 20 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his children,Robert and Pamyla Snyder, Douglas Snyder and Cynthia Eells, Kathryn Snyder and Tim Truwe, Karen Snyder and Phil Rynearson; brother, Robert Snyder; daughter in-law, Brenda Snyder; grandchildren, Chad, Kyle, Emily, Benjamin, Courtney, Madelin, Oceanna, Samuel, Anna; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Mia, and Hans. Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, from 2-5 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer.