Charles K. Snyder, 78

Charles Kenneth Snyder, age 78, peacefully passed away on Tuesday morning, March 20, 2018. He was at home, surrounded by his loving family, when his hard work on this earth was completed. When he was born on March 30, 1939 in Hill City, South Dakota his family called him “Kenny.” When he became an adult, he called himself “Chuck.”

As a young child, “Kenny” was free to roam the area around Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He grew up with his sister, Dolores, on a ranch near Hill City. He would spend his days exploring on his horse and fishing in Horsethief Lake. He was known to bring many critters home to show his family. On one occasion he caught a baby mountain goat, brought it home, painted its horns red then let it go. He continued to be intrigued by wild animals for the rest of his life.

The day before Chuck passed away our yard was suddenly filled with wild animals. In the morning there were five whitetail deer bedded down close to our house. We noticed a coyote on the game trail. A flock of nearly 30 wild turkeys were in the backyard. An ermine was running on top of the snow in the front yard. The back porch had several squirrels and birds that accumulated all at once. Chuck had been a member of the Flathead Wildlife Club for many years. Our family and friends that were present understood this gathering as an honor to Chuck.

Chuck was an avid hunter and fisherman. His father Charly taught him well. Hunting season was an important part of his life. His strong desire to hunt and fish was the top consideration when he made a decision as to what part of country to live and raise a family.

Chuck received his civil engineering degree from South Dakota State in Brookings. His love for the mountains brought him to the Flathead National Forest in Kalispell in 1965. He moved to Missoula in 1969 where he worked on the Lolo National Forest until 1977. He met and married Carolyn Jeanne Neilan on March 4, 1977. The next day they moved to their first home together in Prescott, where he became the Forest Engineer on the Prescott National Forest.

Chuck and Carolyn began designing their dream house when they were first married and living in Prescott. Chuck’s abilities to design and draw were amazing. He would draw certain features in 3-D to assure the end results were understood. Today, Carolyn treasures all of these hand drawings by Chuck.

The call of the Montana mountains brought Chuck back home to Kalispell and the Flathead National Forest in 1980. His two youngest sons were born, and their dream house was built in 1986. All of Chuck’s wonderful skills were then put to good use. He designed and put in the yard an underground sprinkling system. He designed and built his “shop” with the help of his two young sons, Justin and Dylan. Today Chuck’s trophy deer & elk racks adorn the walls of his shop. His loving presence is felt in that shop by all who enter its doors.

Chuck’s love of the outdoors has been passed down to all of his four children. As a young child Justin wrote how his dad taught him to be an ethical hunter which, in turn, has helped him to make good decisions in his life. Dylan’s love of plants and animals originated with his dad. Downhill skiing and fishing are what Dylan will be passing down to his own three children.

On September 14, 1994 Chuck retired from the Flathead National Forest and his civil engineering career. His two youngest sons were only eight and ten years old at that time. Justin and Dylan spent all their summer days either water skiing, wake boarding, fishing, hiking, camping or trail bike riding. Their dad would take them places that were unbelievable. They rode their trail bikes as far as the trail could take them. They would then hike to the high alpine lakes to catch some amazing fish. Their beloved dog Oly would lead the way on many of these fishing trips. In the winter months, they enjoyed ice fishing and downhill skiing with their dad. These boys had a father that set a good example of how to be a kind, considerate and loving man.

For the past 12 years Chuck has lived his life with Parkinson’s. His physical activities were limited but not his positive personality. He never complained and instead showed perseverance in the face of adversity. Their little Shih Tzu, Tokyo, has been Chuck’s loyal companion and protector throughout his illness. Chuck continued to live at home with his wife, Carolyn, as his caregiver. She was able to grant his wishes; “Talk to me, smile at me, hold my hand, love me and live your life; knowing that you are in my heart always.”

Chuck and Carolyn celebrated 41 years of marriage on March 4, 2018. Our love has created a family that they are proud of. Chuck is known as “Papa” to all the grandchildren. Carolyn wishes are that many of Papa’s wonderful traits be passed on to each of the seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Neilan Snyder and children; Lesly Lage (Jeff) of Reno, Nevada; Brad Snyder of Reno, Nevada; Justin Snyder (Kelsey) of Pinedale, Wyoming; Dylan Snyder (Danielle) of Kalispell. Chuck is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Nicholas Hasler, Alexa Snyder, Caeden Hanson, Jasper Snyder, Mira Snyder, Oliver Smith and Honey Snyder, and three great grandchildren; Carson Hasler, Van Hasler, Ava Hasler.

Chuck was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles F. and Grace Snyder, and his sisters, Hildred DeWltt and Laverne Pease. His only surviving sibling, Dolores Rolland, resides in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Snyder family sincerely appreciates the loving care provided by Home Options Home Health and Hospice. To Jess, Renee, Susan, Deb and especially Penny; “Thank You for your loving care and support.”

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 Hwy 93 North, Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Samaritan House, 124 9th Avenue West, Kalispell, or to your favorite charity. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.