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John Snedeker Obituary
Gabriel Snedeker
John Gabriel Snedeker, age 42, died on July 30th from sudden cardiac arrest. Born in Salt Lake City Utah on October 14, 1971, Gabe was raised on Bainbridge Island and graduated from Bainbridge High school in 1989. He earned a BA from the University of Oregon, and prior to graduate school, worked at Willamette Pass Ski Resort and as an intern and seasonal fire fighter with the U.S. Forest Service in Bend, Oregon. After earning his Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Washington, Gabe worked as a professional planner for the cities of Shoreline and Mercer Island and as a planning consultant with the Watershed Company and ABHL. Most recently, he was Supervisor of Planning and Development Services in Snohomish County.
Gabe was an expert skier and avid hiker and fly-fisher who was at home in the mountains and back-country. He was an excellent trip planner and loved introducing family and friends to new experiences and outdoor adventures. He skied and traveled all over the world, but he was happiest with his wife and daughter in their cabin near Stevens Pass and home in Shoreline. Gabe had a talent for friendship. He had a big heart and was a wonderful friend, husband, father, son, brother and colleague, who lived his life surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Sara and three-and-a-half year old daughter, Ava; his parents, David and Bonnie Snedeker of Bainbridge Island; sister, Jesse Snedeker (Adam Gooder) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and father-in-law, George Jersey of Shoreline. Gabe leaves a hole that nobody can fill but we will always be grateful to have had him in our lives and hearts.
A memorial service and celebration of Gabe's life will be held on Monday, August 25th, 2:00 PM at Craven Farm in Snohomish. (See www.cravenfarm.com for directions. Donations in Gabe's memory may be made to Washington Conservation Voters (wcvoters,org), Snohomish County Growers Alliance (www.snocogrowers.com) or the American Planning Association. Washington Chapter Scholarship Fund (www.washington state.apa.org). For more information, Please visit Gabe's memorial website at legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Snedeker
Sponsored by The Family.
Brandon Rudd
July 30, 2024
Ten years ago today I received a call letting me know my good buddy Gabe Snedeker had died (on a Tuesday, just like today). Since this news, I've been visiting one of his favorite camping spots on Priest Lake with friends each year as a remembrance of his life and the times we spent together.
Interesting to wake up with the cloud formations as shown, then to later head out for an annual 'cheers' where the weather turned, but absolutely failed to dampen our appreciation of his legacy, love of the outdoors, close-talking, and stories of our multiple and various adventures. Miss you Sned!
Brandon Rudd
July 30, 2024
Brandon Rudd
July 30, 2024
Brandon Rudd
July 30, 2024
Ten years ago today I received a call letting me know my good buddy Gabe Snedeker had died (on a Tuesday, just like today). Since this news, I've been visiting one of his favorite camping spots on Priest Lake with friends each year as a remembrance of his life and the times we spent together.
Interesting to wake up with the cloud formations as shown, then to later head out for annual 'cheers' where the weather turned, but absolutely failed to dampen our appreciation of his legacy, love of the outdoors, close-talking, and stories of our multiple and various adventures. Miss you Sned!
Janet Way
July 30, 2024
I continue to remember Gabe and his decency! A sweet guy, gone too soon!
Brandon R.
July 30, 2023
Spent several days at your campsite at Priest with Woody, Wendy, and Kim, cheering you and sharing in endless stories of our times together with Sned, Snedley, Snedwad, our frugal shopper, the guy who always traveled with a condiment bag, and always our missing friend. Nine years seems like forever yet you are with me almost daily. Miss you Buddy...
Brandon Rudd
August 1, 2022
We completed another annual pilgrimage to the lake in your honor. You were well missed of course, and you would have loved the stories we captured in prep for sharing with your daughter (per her Mom's suggestion). I know they did a celebration for you this year too buddy...
Brandon R.
July 30, 2021
Celebrating all the great memories on our 6th annual Gabe Memorial trip to Distillery Bay in Priest Lake with Woody, Wendy, and Kim. We've cheered you many times this week and especially today. Miss you buddy, always...
Thank you Gabe for your love of nature in our community.
Janet Way
August 31, 2014
So sorry to hear about Gabe's untimely passing. He was a dedicated and wonderful environmental advocate in Shoreline and elsewhere. Thanks to him for his work on the Sustainability Strategy for Shoreline.
Matt Stevenson
August 24, 2014
Gabe and I were classmates in the UDP graduate program at UW, and worked together on various projects over the past several years during his tenure at the Watershed Company and then AHBL. He inspired me to start my own company eight years ago during a conversation over a couple of pints, which quite literally changed my life for the better. Gabe was a truly great guy, with a positive can-do attitude and a contagious enthusiasm. I always enjoyed being around him, and will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
August 16, 2014
Gabe was a colleague and classmate of mine in graduate school. I am deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing. I will remember Gabe as full of life, a great sense of humor, quick to challenge assumptions (such as mine...ouch! and thanks!), and I always enjoyed catching up with him when we crossed paths over the years. Peace be with one and all. Michael Hubner.
Sande Schiffres
August 16, 2014
With deepest sympathy to Dave, Bonnie all the family. May Gabe always live in your hearts and memories.
Joanne Anton
August 15, 2014
Bonnie, David and Family,
Sending healing love to all of you. I'm so sorry - please know you're in our thoughts.
August 13, 2014
Gabe was an enthusiastic graduate student in the urban design and planning program at the UW. His smile in the water photograph in the Gallery is the one I remember; he always reminded me why planning was worth getting into. Such zeal. Our field has lost a special player indeed. My thoughts are with his family at this time of sadness and great loss.
UW Assoc. Prof emeritus, Dennis Ryan
Michael Kerins
August 13, 2014
Gabe and I were classmates during graduate school. He was gregarious and full of life and an all around good guy. It was always great running into him at conferences. The planning profession has lost a great member of its community. My deepest condolences to his family.
HEFE
August 12, 2014
Gabe was a customer of mine @ Darrell's Tavern in Shoreline. Such a delight to be in his presence. I was devastated to hear the news. I'm so sorry to all his friends & family.
Jayelee (Stone) Dorris
August 12, 2014
Jesse and family...
I am SO saddened to hear of Gabe's passing. Jesse, I have many fond memories of your brother when we would hang out together. I am so sorry. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Larry
August 11, 2014
I'm grateful for the time that I was able to spend with Gabe and sad there couldn't be more. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
My bird for life
August 11, 2014
Celia Garr Reyes
August 11, 2014
I only worked with Gabe for a few months before leaving Snohomish County PDS, but have only good memories of him as my Supervisor. He was well liked by all who were lucky enough to have crossed his paths, and he was well respected by colleagues for his work ethic and leadership ability. We sat in close enough proximity that, on many occasions, I witnessed his complete devotion and dedication to his family -- most especially, to his wife and young daughter. Gabe was a good man who left an indelible mark on those who were lucky enough to know him in this life. He will be greatly missed!
Imbert Matthee
August 10, 2014
Bonnie and David: Deepest sympathies from all of us at Smile Partners. We're keeping you close to our hearts.
Shirahz Lentz
August 8, 2014
Dearest Sara,
I remember the day that I married you and Gabe. I felt honored and blessed to be at the beginning or your journey as husband and wife. The first time that I met him, I could see that you two were a love that comes along once in a lifetime. Gabe was an amazing man. Bright, loving, and he absolutely adored you. Little Ava is the best of both you and Gabe. I know that he is with you, supporting you, and will always be there for you. For however long we are blessed to have these life-altering people in our life, it is the greatest gift. Love leaves a mark on your heart, one that will always be there and help you heal.
To Gabe's extended family and friends I offer deep condolences. He left a place that cannot be filled by anybody else.
Thank you Gabe for being part of our lives. We miss you and we love you!
Aaron Nix
August 8, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Gabe's family on your loss. Gabe was a tremendous colleague. The "Planning" profession has lost a tremendous talent and I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Bengford
August 8, 2014
My condolences to the family. I didn't know Gabe well, but collaborated with him on state planning conferences over the years and often competed against him for planning consulting jobs. I can describe Gabe as having a "larger than life" type personalities, who was always friendly and funny. Reading here about him - he certainly lived life to the fullest. He will certainly be missed and I wish his family well.
August 7, 2014
August 7 2014
Expressing condolences for the family and friends.Death is one of life's most grievous moments for the grief, it brings. The Bible says"God will wipe out tears, mourning, and death" Such a wonderful time, that will be.please find comfort in these words.
Mardie Holden
August 7, 2014
My heart aches for all the Snedekers and others who knew Gabe. I'm so sorry for your loss.
August 6, 2014
A huge light has gone out for me. I hired Gabe to work in the first long range planning office for the city of Shoreline. He was bold without being brassy, clever without being snooty, and funny with compassion and kindness. And he skied every month of the year! I feel honored to have shared part of my professional life in his presence. My deep condolences to his family. Mary Lynne Evans
Gabe talking with the Snohomish County Planning Commission just a few weeks ago. Never a dull moment or uncomfortable silence. Always the idea guy.
Terri Strandberg
August 6, 2014
Alison Bridges
August 6, 2014
It was my privilege to have worked for Gabe these last few years at Snohomish County. He is someone I really looked up to and admired; an extremely motivating mentor and Supervisor who had high expectations of his team and always led by example. I will greatly miss his humor, encouragement and light in our lives and workplace.
August 5, 2014
You will always hold a special place in both of my sons' hearts and will be forever treasured. I had the privilege of learning of some of your escapades while driving to Spokane with Brandon and Woody on Friday. I know what it is to have a really good friend leave us - but I also know, you really never leave - that is what great memories do for us. Brian shares in our grief.
Vicki Wellman, mother of Brandon Rudd and Brian Rudd
B. Rudd
August 5, 2014
Will miss you Johnny...you already know that.
Ryan O'Rear
August 5, 2014
I can't count how many great times and experiences I had with Gabe growing up. I will miss you my friend. Cheers to you my friend.
Wayne Carlson
August 5, 2014
Gabe will be greatly missed by me, the planning community, and everybody at AHBL. He and I had daughters that were born just a few months apart so we shared in the new phase of fatherhood together. He was extraordinarily talented and had a personality that would fill the room. Rest in peace Gabe.
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