Leendert "Leen" deSnayer

1960 - 2010

Dairyman Leen de Snayer, 50, died Thursday, September 16th in a tragic car accident.
He is remembered by his family and friends as a hard working, passionate, and energetic man who always approached life in a positive way. He was an astute businessman who loved his work and all it entailed. Even though his choice of occupation required him to be on call 24 hours a day, he found it a joy and wouldn't have it any other way. De Snayer was raised in a little town called Biert in the Netherlands on his family's dairy farm and grew to love and appreciate dairy cows and the industry. In 1984, he married Paula van Exel in Holland and emigrated to Lodi, CA to fulfill the vision of starting their own dairy. Beginning with only 50 milking cows, the couple worked tirelessly to grow their business. Nearly twenty-five years, after all the challenges, sweat and tears, their dairy now boasts over 1500 milking cows and 1600 non-milking cows and heifers on 700 acres - quite an achievement. While dairy farming was his passion, Leen's greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his wife and 3 daughters. He was always ready with a big smile and laughing blue eyes. Spending time together whether working, riding bikes, watching a movie, attending sporting events, or just sitting at the kitchen counter laughing and telling jokes was equally special to him. Friends knew they were genuinely welcome, and Leen always took time to visit no matter how busy he was. They could also count on a cup of coffee and a cookie on the side … a Dutch tradition.
As his friends and colleagues can attest, Leen was a man of strong values and humility. He was true to his word and people knew they could count on him. He was generous and would help anyone in need. In addition to the demands of his business, de Snayer was a delegate for Dairy Farmers of America Coop, sat on the board of the San Joaquin Dairy Herd Improvement Association and the District 5 Milk Advisory Board. Since 1986, the de Snayer Dairy hosted over 100 international agricultural trainees from around the world. Leen received a great deal of satisfaction being able to mentor these young students as they embarked on their careers.
He is survived by his wife, Paula Corinne de Snayer of Lodi; three daughters, Alison Corinne Stirm of Atlanta, GA married to Brandon Stirm, Jessica Ann de Snayer and Erin Lee de Snayer both of Lodi, CA; his mother, Geertje Scheygrond de Snayer of Zuidland, Netherlands; four brothers, Pleun, Gerard, Cor, and Anton de Snayer all from Biert, Netherlands. He was preceded in death by his father, Leendert de Snayer. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 23rd at 11 a.m. at the Zion Reformed Church of Lodi, Pastor Matt Duerr presiding. Visitation will be at Lodi Funeral Home today, Wednesday, September 22nd from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Private graveside services will be held on Friday at Cherokee Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions can be made to Tulare Sale Yard at 4013 South K Street, Tulare, CA 93274. Make checks payable to Cal Poly Dairy Cow Fund. In memo space on check write Leen de Snayer Memorial Fund.
A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.