Dr. Norman Gene Snyder

SNYDER-Dr. Norman Gene Snyder, long time resident and former Mayor of West Covina, died peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, October 10, 2010. The son of Milo and Phoebe (Dilly) Snyder, Dr. Snyder was born on the family farm near Redfield, Iowa on April 28, 1923. He was one of ten children. After graduating from Redfield Consolidated High School, Dr. Snyder began his undergraduate studies at Drake University in Des Moines. In February 1943, Dr. Snyder joined the United States Navy and served as a Radar Technician on the U.S.S. Hancock, an aircraft carrier, in the Pacific Fleet during the Second World War. During his tenure on the Hancock, the ship saw much action, including the battle of Leyte Gulf (the largest naval battle in history) and the invasions of Okinowa and Iwo Jima. On March 20, 1945 the Hancock was hit by debris from Kamikaze strikes on the task force of which it was a part. Prior to the formal surrender of the Japanese, Dr. Snyder was one of the first Americans to set foot on the Japanese Yokuska Naval Base in Tokyo Bay. He was part of a group sent there to set up radio communications prior to the landing of the Hancock on September 10, 1945. After leaving the Navy in February 1946, Dr. Snyder returned to Iowa to complete his undergraduate studies and go on to medical school at the University of Iowa. He graduated from medical school in June 1951. While a medical student, he met his future wife, Delphia Gertrude Norman, at an afternoon tea dance. They married on August 13, 1950 and were steadfast and loving partners for 53 years until Delphia's death in 2003. Dr. Snyder and his wife relocated to West Covina, California where they started a family and Dr. Snyder set up a private practice. After selling his practice in the early 1970's, Dr. Snyder worked as a physician in the Emergency room at Intercommunity Hospital. Later he became a staff physician at CIGNA Health Care in Glendale. After his retirement from CIGNA, Dr. Snyder continued to work as a physician at several pain clinics throughout Los Angeles County. In 2002, Dr. Snyder was forced by health problems to end his lengthy career as a physician. During the 1950's and 60's, Dr. Snyder was actively involved in the West Covina community. In 1953, he was one of the founding members of the West Covina Rotary Club. He served as a member of the City Council for several years and as the Mayor of West Covina in 1964 and 1965. While a member the City Council, Dr. Snyder helped facilitate the relocation of the West Covina Library, the first Los Angeles County library designed as a "Regional Headquarters", to its current location in the West Covina Civic center. Dr. Snyder was also responsible for helping to set up one of the first drug addiction and suicide hotlines in the San Gabriel Valley. Dr. Snyder was a man of active intelligence and curiosity. He was an avid reader in many different subject areas, especially history. He and his wife were enthusiastic travelers and enjoyed many trips together throughout their marriage. Dr. Snyder also enjoyed gathering his family together at home for holidays and family celebrations. Dr. Snyder is survived by his three sons, Michael (Elena) Snyder of West Covina, David (Lise) Snyder of Los Angeles, Scott Snyder of El Dorado Hills, California, and one daughter, Cathy Bettoney of Santee, California. He is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Snyder, Katie Snyder, Sarah Snyder, Kelli Bettoney, and Scott Bettoney, as well as his sisters Doris Kipping of Redfield , Iowa and Mary Swinger of Tonto Basin, Arizona. The family and friends of Dr. Snyder celebrate his long life which was given to the care and support of his family, and service to his fellow human beings and his community. The memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Los Angeles County Public Library.