Obituary for Keith Edward Snyder
Keith Edward Snyder was born on May 29th, 1951, the first of four children, three boys and one daughter, to Omar and Marilyn (Vollmer) Snyder. Legend has it that he never chose to speak until he was nearly three years of age. From there, he obviously saved up many things to say in the future, never losing his devilish smile while telling a story or joke. The Snyder Family moved from Grant, MI, to Coldwater, MI, in 1965 opening Omar’s Bar as Keith was beginning high school. For most, this would be a very difficult time to make a transition. However, “Mouse” as he was known, somehow managed to quickly become “Mr. Popular,” participating in wrestling and graduating from Coldwater High School in 1969. From there, he supported local sports in all shapes and forms passionately throughout his lifetime. For 38 years, Keith was known as “Coach” for the Omar’s Bar teams of softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, and most recently downhill skiing. He designed the iconic Omar’s Bar kelly green jerseys, which were worn in his favorite color over the years.
There is no doubt that finding his best friend, soulmate, and life partner, Christy Gaskill, close to 50 years ago, was one of his ultimate wins, bringing home the championship trophy with the birth of their one daughter, Brooke Snyder. Keith and Christy were married in Coldwater on May 1, 1982, with Brooke’s arrival two years later. There was never a dull moment when Keith was in a room. His wit, sense of humor, and one-of-a-kind personality brought life to every party. Throughout his life, he was a voracious reader with a never-ending interest in history, knew facts about any and all subjects, and loved to tell a good story. He cherished many vacations with his friends for skiing, golf, and relaxing with a drink on a beach. Upon reflection, one can only hope that you have lived to the fullest, which Keith certainly accomplished.
His work ethic was equally as strong as his play ethic, having been in the drywall business as a master finisher, with lifelong friend, Steven “Dirsch” Dirschell. When you think of Keith, it is hard to separate what was so much a part of him: family, friends, travel, music, sports, reading, golf, skiing, and especially trips to Jamaica. Saying goodbye to a husband, father, brother, and friend leaves a void that can only be filled with cherished memories of crazy times, laughter, and adventures.
Keith Snyder certainly left a storybook, with each of us creating the chapters. In the words of the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want,” but if we could, we would certainly wish for more time with those whom we love and who create the tapestry of our lives. Please feel free to share stories and memories publicly on Keith’s Dutcher Funeral Home Memory Wall, or privately at keithsnydermemorial@gmail.com.
In addition to his wife Christy, Keith is survived by his daughter Brooke Snyder of Colorado
Springs, CO, his siblings Richard Snyder of Coldwater, Ann Alba (David Driscoll) of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as his nieces and nephews Lisa Snyder, Jamie Clarke, Lindie McKenzie, Jacob Bryant, and Kadence McKenzie. He is also survived by his many friends – too many to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kim Snyder, and his nephew Brian Snyder. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Cheers to a life well-lived.
There is no doubt that finding his best friend, soulmate, and life partner, Christy Gaskill, close to 50 years ago, was one of his ultimate wins, bringing home the championship trophy with the birth of their one daughter, Brooke Snyder. Keith and Christy were married in Coldwater on May 1, 1982, with Brooke’s arrival two years later. There was never a dull moment when Keith was in a room. His wit, sense of humor, and one-of-a-kind personality brought life to every party. Throughout his life, he was a voracious reader with a never-ending interest in history, knew facts about any and all subjects, and loved to tell a good story. He cherished many vacations with his friends for skiing, golf, and relaxing with a drink on a beach. Upon reflection, one can only hope that you have lived to the fullest, which Keith certainly accomplished.
His work ethic was equally as strong as his play ethic, having been in the drywall business as a master finisher, with lifelong friend, Steven “Dirsch” Dirschell. When you think of Keith, it is hard to separate what was so much a part of him: family, friends, travel, music, sports, reading, golf, skiing, and especially trips to Jamaica. Saying goodbye to a husband, father, brother, and friend leaves a void that can only be filled with cherished memories of crazy times, laughter, and adventures.
Keith Snyder certainly left a storybook, with each of us creating the chapters. In the words of the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want,” but if we could, we would certainly wish for more time with those whom we love and who create the tapestry of our lives. Please feel free to share stories and memories publicly on Keith’s Dutcher Funeral Home Memory Wall, or privately at keithsnydermemorial@gmail.com.
In addition to his wife Christy, Keith is survived by his daughter Brooke Snyder of Colorado
Springs, CO, his siblings Richard Snyder of Coldwater, Ann Alba (David Driscoll) of Colorado Springs, CO, as well as his nieces and nephews Lisa Snyder, Jamie Clarke, Lindie McKenzie, Jacob Bryant, and Kadence McKenzie. He is also survived by his many friends – too many to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kim Snyder, and his nephew Brian Snyder. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Cheers to a life well-lived.