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Adrian "Abe" SNIDANKO
Adrian "Abe" SNIDANKO
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Adrian SNIDANKO Obituary
October 4, 1937- August 2, 2017
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Abe, who passed away peacefully in his home in Richmond, BC, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Abe was born in Smokey Lake, Alberta and came to BC as a young RCMP officer. Abe was based primarily in Vancouver and spent 13 years serving the RCMP internationally being posted to Hong Kong, Austria, and Jamaica. Abe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Noreen, their two sons Ryan (Nicole) and Stephen (Martha) and his treasured grandchildren, Sophia, Mya, Julia, Eva and Lucas. A private celebration of Abe's life will be held at a later date.
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37 Entries
Paul Nelson
December 10, 2022
I just read of Abe's passing, five years too late. As a young Mountie, forty years ago, I worked for Abe in Vancouver. He was an inspiring leader who I greatly admired. I was honoured and privileged to work for him. Abe's family are right to be proud of him and his long RCMP career full of integrity, enforcing the law. I send along these terribly belated condolences.
Katharina Krall
August 31, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Abe. He was one of the most funniest people I have ever met. It was great fun to work with him and his family in Vienna.
My sincere condolences to Noreen and his sons. I will never forget him
Kathy Krall, Vienna Austria
August 16, 2017
To Noreen, sons and the entire family
We are saddened to learn of Abe's passing.
Family was very important to him, so his being surrounded by you would have provided him with great comfort.
Rest in peace, Abe ~
Dave, Diane and sons
Doug Bangle
August 15, 2017
As a 16 year old 6'7" kid growing up in Ladner, B.C. I was recruited to play Rugby in Richmond with a senior men's team. Abe was on that team and the first Mountie I had ever met. He was so friendly and helpful I never forgot him. We played rugby for two years until I left to play basketball in the States. I really appreciated the fact he never said anything when the team went to the Legion after a game for a cold beer and I tagged along. This was 1963 and the age was 21!! I later joined the Force in 1969 (#27483) and served 34 years. Condolences to the family and RIP Abe.
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Don McDermid
August 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of Abe's passing. Sincere condolences to his family, his RCMP family and many friends. I was a young constable in Richmond Det. and often worked along side the Vancouver Drug Squad when Abe was making fame in the Georgia Strait paper. Always respected as an outstanding police officer.
Ronald Tessier
August 15, 2017
Best wishes and condolences to Abe's family. My twin brother, Clifford and I were in the same troop in training. We got to know Abe during that time and I never forgot his quick wit and humor.
Bob Kraus
August 15, 2017
Sorry to hear of the passing of Abe. I was fortunate to have lunch with him just a few years ago.
We were troop mates in Troop 36 - 1957/58 in Ottawa.
Chris & Margaret Greenshields
August 14, 2017
It was a true pleasure working with Abe on UN drug issues in Vienna in the mid-eighties. He was a modest, straightforward guy who proved to be an able diplomat as well as a police liaison officer in several foreign postings. Our sincere condolences to Noreen and the family. Margaret and Chris Greenshields
Richard Burns
August 14, 2017
Amazing person. The many guest comments from his long career are quite a testament.
Guy DuHamel
August 14, 2017
Very sorry to hear of Abe's passing. I only met him once at a get together at his son Ryan and wife Nicole's house. A wonderful man and great father. My condolences to the family on this loss.
Larry Bodnar
August 12, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of Abe. He was a very well liked personable man. Abe and I had a soft spot for each other as we were both born in the same town of Smoky Lake Alberta, although he preceded me by about a dozen years. During a gathering in the 1980's, I believe it was Kim Marsh who introduced us pointing out we were from the same home town. After that whenever Abe would see me in a crowd at a function he would approach me with the greeting 'how you doing Smoky Lake' or words to that effect. It was always a good to meet up with him & I wish we had done so a few more times. It was a joy and an honour to have known Abe. May he be at Peace.
Hal / Margaret Cluff
August 12, 2017
Our Most Sincerest Sympathies To All The Family Of Abe Snidanko. I first met Abe in the Mid 60,s as a Rugby Man and a R C M P Police Officer . He was team mate, friend , mentor and a source of much freely given and much valued advice . It was, and is , a privilege to have known him . We Shall Not See The Like Of Him Again .
Pam Gibbon
August 12, 2017
Sorry for your loss Steve. My thoughts are with you. Please take care.
M Robinson
August 11, 2017
I was an eighteen-year-old would-be hippie in 1968, living in one of those wonderful heritage west-end homes. Due to some 'colourful' neighbours, Mr. Snidanko visited that house quite frequently. He came to the door of my room one day and asked if he could take a look around. That done, he offered a few words I never forgot: "This is the cleanest place I've been in. Keep it that way." As has been stated in other comments, he had high recognition, dedication to his work, and, though we might have seemed on different 'sides' at that time, he treated me with respect on that day. My sympathy to his family. It feels like the passing of an era.
August 11, 2017
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of a very special person.
Merle(Parkinson) & Bob Campbell
Rawdon, QC
Dale Dichrow
August 11, 2017
My condolences to the "SNIDANKO" family. Abe was a great Street Police Officer who carried a "big stick". May he rest in peace.
August 11, 2017
Dear Noreen! So sad to hear of your loss. Hilary and I have such fond memories of Abe, you and the boys during our time in Vienna! Hilary and Bill van't Slot.
Stacey Purcell
August 11, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. Many of great memories. Always loved his stories that he shared at Arnolds
Bill Duckworth
August 11, 2017
Noreen and family - I was very saddened to hear that Abe passed away. I have so many memories of him that were gathered over the years.
Bill Duckworth
Bob & Joanne Vanderaegen
August 10, 2017
Doreen and family please except our deepest condolences. I (Bob) remember the great time training as an undercover operator back in 1969, Abe was a great mentor. We were introduced to shots of Russian Vodka, and rigorous workouts. I remember Abe constantly receiving high recognition in the "Georgia Strait" as the Narc to to be respected. We had great memories then, we will miss him.
Lynda Tomic
August 10, 2017
Dear Noreen, Ryan, Steve and Family
So very sorry to hear of Adrian's passing. He was a good man and a good policeman in a job he was always passionate about. My condolences to you all.
Kerry Burleigh
August 10, 2017
Noreen and family - So Sad to hear of Abe's passing. He was an inspiration to any young in the manner in which he practised his profession. He was THE ROLE model in those days where we members did make a difference. God bless you Abe and the memories you've left for your family and friends. Kerry Burleigh
Jack Randle
August 10, 2017
Sorry to hear of Abe's passing. I have vivid memories of the "old drug squad", Abe, Henschel, Hunt, Brown, Ducky to name a few. Also many social activities not to be forgotten. Our condolences to the family.
Joe and Joan FitzGibbon
August 10, 2017
Joan and I were so saddened to hear of Abe's passing. We knew Abe, Noreen, Ryan and Stephen, initially as neighbours, and quickly became life-long friends.
We fondly remember greeting the Halloween trick & treaters, a few days after moving into our new home in Ottawa in the early 70's, when this person appeared at the door with two young boys in tow. He introduced himself as Abe and his boys, Ryan and Stephen and offered to give us a hand getting settled in.
That turned out to be our Halloween treat as we met a great person and his family and maintained that friendship to this day. We shared so many great times together as neighbours and visiting them in Vienna, Rawdon and Vancouver.
Abe was truly a very sociable, no nonsense person, who people liked immediately, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Our thoughts are with Noreen, Ryan, Stephen and their families during this difficult period. Hopefully you will find comfort in the treasure of wonderful memories you shared.
Joan and Joe FitzGibbon
Sharon
August 9, 2017
Abe was a gentleman when interacting with young women like me during the summer of love, and was respected by many. I remember when his wife had a baby and we gathered money and bought a baby gift for him
Tom McLean
August 9, 2017
Ryan & Steve, Deepest sympathies for your family & your mom.
Allan de St Remy
August 8, 2017
nOREEN: pAT JUST BROUGHT THE PAPER HOME FROM nANAIMO THIS MINUTE AND SHOWED ME aBES OBITUARY. i WAS SICK TO MY STOMACK AND DO NOT KNOW THE PROPER WORDS. i GO BACK 50 YEars with that great man and Pat and I offer you and your family our sincere condolences. Abe will be greatly missed. Allan
August 8, 2017
He was known and will be fondly remembered all along the west coast. I recall one interesting event when Ricki Coyle brought him to 1st and Balsam. God Bless
aLLAN DE sT rEMY
August 8, 2017
Noreen, Pat just brought home the paper this minute and I was in total shock.I WOULD LIKE TO PHONE YOU BUT CAN NOTFIMND A NUMBER. i AM SICK AND CN NOT FIND THE PROPER WORDSi KNOW YOU HAVE AND i HAVE TOO, LOST A GREAT FRIEND. oUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.hE WILL ALWAYS BE AT THE TOP OF MY LIST. aLLAN.
Ron (Animal) MacWilliams
August 8, 2017
One of the great characters privileged to have played rugby with him in Richmond
Karl Richert
August 8, 2017
Noreen, Terry and I owe you both our gift of marriage and we will never forget this. We are saddened by this news and we will see you at the service when it is held.
All our best to you and the family
Karl and Terry Richert
August 8, 2017
He sure was a legend to me back in the late 60's. I messaged Tommy Chong to let him know of Abe's passing. My condolences for your family's loss.
Ian McNairnay
August 8, 2017
Noreen & Family, my thoughts are with you. Spent time with Age in 1969. He was a great teacher and a lot of fun.
I am sorry for your loss.
Garry Mydlak
August 8, 2017
We met long ago and I had dinner with you south Van off Granville c.a. summer 1970 when I was selected to VDS UCO. Sad to hear of ur loss. I have relatives in Smoky Lake too. I vaguely recall u were w/TCA flt attendant. One less Good Guy now. My heart felt condolences. U should know Abe was a major influence in my career.
August 8, 2017
Our deepest sympathies Noreen and family. The best I ever worked with in the RCMP. His work ethic and high standards were exemplary. He will be missed....Bill and Heather Hacock, Ashcroft B.C.
Mike Butcher
August 8, 2017
Abe will be missed...sorry I didn't get to spend more time with him in recent years. A living legend who was very humble and a lot fun to hang out with. Cheers Abe!
August 8, 2017
Dear Noreen, Ryan and Steve: My thoughts are with you, and may my good Friend Abe Rest in Peace....
Wally
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