Karl Dan Snyder, 87

Karl Dan Snyder, 87, passed away Aug. 20, 2014, peacefully at his home in Kalispell.  

He was born Oct. 7, 1926, in Louisville, Ky. He was baptized and received his first Holy Communion into the Catholic church.

At age 9, his parents divorced, changing his life’s direction. His great-aunts, the Grimm sisters, then gave him love and attention.

After graduating from West Philly High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. His final station was Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls where he met his first wife, Gerry Ann Feiden. They moved to New York City where Dan worked for the New York Times. On the GI Bill, Dan returned to Montana and graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1950 from the University of Montana. While in college, Dan became the first president of a new organization called the Radio Guild and that lead to a part-time job at KGVO Radio. Despite his love for philosophy and psychology, he pursued a broadcasting career. Dan worked at KMON in Great Falls before moving to KBMN in Bozeman where sons David and Randy were born. He started as program director, sold advertising and became the general manager between 1950 and 1955.

Now a young entrepreneur, Dan moved his family back to Great Falls and started the radio station KBGF (Keep Building Great Falls) and daughter Jacque was born. In 1958, he had an attractive offer to sell and Dan built the second TV station in Great Falls, KRTV Channel 3. Along with minority stockholder Paul Crain they bought KGHL AM and TV in Billings in 1962, selling off KGHL radio and changing the TV call letters to KULR. A heart attack took Paul Crain, and KULR TV was sold. Long hours took a toll, which lead to a divorce from Gerry and the sale of KRTV. Dan and the KRTV staff had remarkable success and hilarity in the early days of live television. Dan was ahead of his time, hiring women for sales and on-air talent, including “Today in Montana” co-host Norma Ashby. His KRTV family continues their lifelong friendship through annual gatherings.  

In 1970, Dan changed course and bought a train station about to be torn down. Newly married to his second wife, Bobbie Bruington, the team remodeled the Old Milwaukee Depot in Great Falls into a restaurant and shopping complex. After 10 years, it was sold in a Chapter 11, which precipitated a second divorce.

In 1978, Dan married Debbie Johnson, a Kalispell native. The couple settled in Helena and Dan returned to broadcasting to manage the radio division of Western Broadcasting Company. After the sale of WBC, Dan and Debbie moved to Kalispell in 1993. Opportunity opened yet another door, as Dan produced trade shows for the Daily Inter Lake, while he and Debbie purchased Flowers by Hansen. He later returned to radio sales with Anderson Broadcasting Company of Polson. A career started in 1948 continued into the 21st century. He just retired from that one year ago.

Dan served on the board of the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. He was an organizer and active in the Great Falls and Helena Advertising Clubs. As an active volunteer, his most valued philanthropy was a 21-year stretch of hosting “The Children’s Miracle Network” telethon for Shodair’s Children’s Hospital. The GMF board fulfilled his passion for broadcasting and mentoring. In his final meeting with them in June, Dan was incredibly touched by the accolades bestowed on him. 

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Grimm Karl Snyder and Monna Jean Keglar.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, to whom he was happily married for 36 years; son, David Snyder, and Gloria; son, Randy Snyder, and Linda; daughter, Jacque Walawander, and Loring; grandchildren, Melissa Snyder Block and Zachary, Mackynze Snyder and Joel O’Leary, Tristan Snyder, Arielle Snyder, Aftan Snyder, and Luke Walawander and Mina; and in-laws, Thelma and Vernon Johnson, Brent Johnson and Janice,  and Brenda Bernard and Kelly.  He is survived by a large extended  family and a multitude of friends and colleagues. 

Dan Snyder pioneered Montana broadcasting. His passion and excitement for new opportunities opened a multitude of doors for the next generation of people he mentored. It also allowed him and his family to explore Montana, building radio stations, TV stations and even a restaurant/night club. Dan’s entrepreneurship brought him the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Young Man of Great Falls and Boss of the Year awards. He held numerous presidency and leadership posts of clubs, federations and associations. Dan tried to retire three times but the fire inside kept burning. In 2006, he was honored by induction into the Montana Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Besides all of his career accomplishments, Dan has gone by many names — Karl, Dan, Buddy, Uncle Dan, Dad, Pop, husband, Big Chief High Antenna and Thaddeus J. Periwinkle.

Dan pursued his ever-changing faith throughout his life. His “angel” and wife Debbie helped him recover his sunken faith. Dan felt incredibly blessed by his three wonderfully successful children whom he adored and was so proud of.

 Before there was Google, there was Dan. He had such a vast knowledge of literature and history that he was frequently called upon. Dan spread enthusiasm and joy to everyone. He even had a gorilla suit made for him that he used at the TV station, and later, to frighten grandchildren and many a delighted trick-or-treater.

He lived and explained the “grand essentials” of life to all up until his very last day: “Something to do, something to love and something to hope for.”

The last few years saw declining health. He was unable to physically do as much. Debbie encouraged him to create or share a daily devotion about life, love and faith. The devotions became so popular that they were distributed across the United States and overseas to Australia. Writing devotions became a new passion where he continually sought out books for source material, bringing him back to his first love of philosophy and teaching.

“Old broadcasters don’t die, they just change frequency.”

The family extends a heartfelt thanks for all of the care and support from hospice, and especially Lori Mitchell, in his final months, weeks and days.  

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, at First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., in Kalispell, followed by a celebration of life at the Red Lion Hotel. 

Memorials are requested to Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena MT  59604; First Presbyterian Church; or the charity of your choice.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.