Ronald Snyder

Ron Snyder was a man constantly in motion, a man who never wasted a second. He always kept himself busy at something, whether it was gardening, working, or most likely, golfing. Ron could usually be found on Prairiewood golf course, playing the game he loved with those he loved the most. He was a passionate man about so many things, none more than his family and the many, many friends he made along the way. It's his passion, and his love, that live on today in those who knew him.

Ron's story began one fall day in 1941, just a few months before Pearl Harbor would change the world's fortunes, as America entered World War II. It was September, the calm before the storm of war, as our nation watched as the rest of the globe was embroiled in so much suffering and conflict. But on September 14th of that year, a warm, sunny Thursday in the town of Otsego, Michigan, James and Waneta Snyder found reason for hope, with the birth of a wonderful baby boy.

Ron grew up and lived his whole life in the town of Otsego, a town that meant so much to him. He was eventually blessed with a baby brother, James, who often tagged along as Ron roamed the Great Outdoors in his youth. Growing up in the rolling hills and woods of Otsego, you can't help but learn to appreciate nature's beauty, and Ron was certainly no exception.

After Ron graduated from Otsego High School, he set out to find his fortune - but didn't have to look far. He decided to start his own trucking business, and it turned out to be a success, thanks of course to Ron's tireless work ethic. He owned and operated the business, and drove the trucks, too. Of course, for a man like Ron, trucking was perfect, since he was always in motion, anyway.

His career now on the right road, Ron soon found love along the way, as well. One day a woman Ron knew set him up on a blind date with her sister, a lovely young woman named Karen Anderson. Well, that blind date was quite an eye-opener for both of them! Ron and Karen had instant chemistry, and began a lifelong love affair that day. The happy couple married in the town of Martin on November 19, 1966, on a cool fall Saturday just before Thanksgiving.

Ron and Karen had so much to be thankful for over the years. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Ron and Nicole, who filled their home with so much love and laughter, and eventually, the grandchildren who meant so very much to Ron. Karen also gained two step-children from Ron's previous marriage, James and Michelle.

Ron was a wonderful father, of course, so sentimental, so proud and supportive of his children and grandchildren. Ron was a very hardworking man with his trucking business and the rental properties he owned, and he was often on the road, but he always loved coming home to his family. Ron always worked very hard to enjoy the good life he so richly deserved. He taught his kids how to golf, how to fish, how to hunt, and most of all, how to be fine people, just like their father. He and Karen often went golfing with their son, and Ron's son accompanied him on so many hunting and fishing outings over the years, as well.

Ron had many other hobbies, of course, from woodworking in the garage to digging in his wonderful garden. He and Karen made their home on the third hole of Otsego's Prairiewood Golf Course, a beautiful, 350-yard par-4, and Ron enjoyed keeping his yard as nice as the course! He had a passion for gardening and landscaping, and he and his close neighbor friends could often be found outdoors working in the yard together. Many of his neighbors were also very close golfing buddies, of course.

Golf was Ron's greatest passion, and he played every day he could. As soon as the snow was gone, so was Ron - out there on the course, teeing it up at Prairiewood. Ron even taught his grandkids to play golf, giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime: a love for the game you're never too old to play.

He and Karen enjoyed the game, as well, and loved playing it together. They played on two golf leagues together, and truth be told, spent almost every free moment together. You see, while golf might have been Ron's greatest passion, Karen was always his true love. He and his lovely bride enjoyed taking their boat down the Black River together, a trip they made often and always looked forward to. After Ron finally retired in 2001, he and Karen spent so many wonderful times together, and with their grandkids.

Ron loved his family more than anything (even golf), and was never afraid to show it, either. He was a very loving, affectionate and thoughtful man, who always had the best of intentions. Ron led a busy life, so he understood better than most to make every moment count. Ron worked hard, and earned what he had in life, yet he also knew the importance of enjoying it.

Ron sadly died of a heart attack May 20, 2006, at the home he loved so much, overlooking the golf course that meant so much to him. Ron never wasted a second, and enjoyed every second he had. Work hard, earn it, and enjoy it. That's the way Ron lived his life, and the lesson he leaves behind. His lessons, and his love, live on in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Ronald Snyder, age 64, died suddenly of a heart attack on May 20, 2006 at his home. Learn more about Ron and visit with his family on Wednesday from 5-8 PM, at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams, where his service will be held on Thursday at 4 PM. Ron's family includes his wife Karen; his children: Ron & Paula Snyder of Otsego, Nicole Snyder & Billy Minshall of Delton, Jim Snyder or Portage, and Michelle Frasier of Portage; grandchildren: Aaron Snyder, Paige VanDyk, Brad & Chelsea Frasier, Matthew, Lauren, & Morgan Snyder; mother, Waneta Snyder and brother, James & Rhonda Snyder of Otsego; and several brothers & sisters-in-law and nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James. Please visit Ron's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, or sign the guestbook. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to The American Heart Association.