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Nelson Snook Obituary

Snook, Nelson Edward
Nelson Edward Snook died on August 21, 2012 in his 75th year. He was the son of Harry and Alva Snook of Maywood, NJ. Nels graduated from Horace Mann School in the Bronx and received his BS from Lafayette College and MA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He spent his working career with Western Electric which transferred him from one coast to the other, finally ending in Phoenix. His great loves, besides his family, were baseball, fishing and horse racing. When he developed Stage 4 colon cancer in 1998 and was not expected to live he said the one thing he always wanted to do before he died was to own a race horse. He went out, found a trainer and a horse and for 13 more years enjoyed this hobby and the new friends he made. Nels is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dianne (Dee); his children - Nelson (Janet), Marilyn Spilka (David) and Wayne (Robin); five grandchildren 1 great grandson and his brother, Alfred (Maryann). In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 2122 E Highland Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or Equine Encore Foundation, 3225 N El Burrito Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705-3422 (equineencorefoundation.com) or your favorite charity. Funeral arrangements by Shadow Mountain Mortuary, www.shadowmountainmortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Aug. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Nelson Snook

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August 31, 2012

Dee,

I am so sorry to hear of Nels' passing. Although I only met Nels on a few occasions, I could see the love you two shared. Thanks for all the photos. Some brought back memories of Maywood and the solid foundation it gave us to live succesful lives. May family and good memories help get you through this difficult time.

Peggy Dervitz

Christel

August 29, 2012

Sweet Dee ~ Thank you for sharing your remarkable Nels with me (& many others)! Our time together at Briar Patch, a TREASURE that created life long memories! Absolutely loved my "Boss" and you too!! My Prayers!

Charlot Feuerhelm

August 28, 2012

Dee
It is so hard for me to express my feelings in writing. You and Nel mean so much to me. It is an honor to be part of your family which you two have always made me feel a part of.
He will be greatly missed.
Always remember I am here for you.
Love Char

August 27, 2012

Dear Auntie Dee
What can I say.... There are no words to describe how I felt about you and Uncle Nels. He was always our "Rock". I love you both as my Aunt and Uncle. You are in my prayers. He will be so missed. The pictures are a wonderful reminder of all the fun times you two, Mom and Dad use to have. I remember both the guys laughing and it was always deep belly laughs. Love to all of you. Much Love, Kim Lown

August 27, 2012

"Nellie" became one of my favorite people over the years as I got to know him and realized his courage and determination to live. He is a hero in every sense of the word. I watched the photo gallery of his life, and can see where his fighting spirit came from. What a dear, sweet man with the greatest of smiles......We will miss him so very much.

Barbara House
Turf Paradise

Janet Snook

August 26, 2012

Dee - We will continue to be be with you in spirit tomorrow and in the years to come, as we remember, with much love, a good man and a life well-lived.

Janet, Michael and James

richard jarvis

August 26, 2012

Nelson was a great guy to work with and for. He did a great job heading the Phoenix Custom Assembly Center and always kept his sense of humor.

He was an honest man, which is one of the primary reason the facility at Phoenix survived and trived over so many years after others were forced to close.

He was respected by all who knew him.

Rich Jarvis

Cheryl Cassata

August 26, 2012

Dear Dee and Family,
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.Nels was a ball of sunshine and I will always remember that wonderful smile of his. I am so happy that just a few months ago I was able to see him.
Cheryl and Paul Cassata

Mary Jo and Dennis Sowers

August 26, 2012

Dear Dee and family,
We have lost a special friend. There won't be a day at the race track that we won't look at Nels table and think of him, and miss him. He will always be remembered as one of the kindest people we have ever known.
Dennis and Mary Jo

August 24, 2012

Dear Dee,

My heart goes out to you and your family during this dfficult time

Bart Klim- Bogota class of 1957

Gail and Frank Reeves

August 24, 2012

Dear Dee,
Enjoyed seeing the album - what a great life Nels had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Peace and Love,

August 24, 2012

Dear Dee and family,
We were privileged to know and enjoy Nels for many years. He was indeed a brave man and endured a lot to spend these last years with his family. God blessed him in life and blessed all who knew Nels. I am grateful for his peaceful passage and know that he is with our Lord.
Myrna and Bill Johnson

Beverly Sharber

August 24, 2012

Nel's journey through life was totally filled with love & happiness, as shown in the awesome gallery of photos you have gathered. Although he will be missed, know that he will always be at your side convincing you to carry on until you meet again. Praying for you & your family to give you strength in the coming days & months ahead. Bev Sharber

August 24, 2012

Dear Dee & family- you are all in our thougts and prayers as we remember a wonderful brother, uncle and friend.-- With love, Al, Maryann & family.

Ralph Seligmann

August 24, 2012

Dee,
Nels was an inspiration to me. I have never seen anyone enjoy life with such a positive attitude. A wonnderful man! The album is wonderful and I will share it with the girlas in the office.

Jodi Deeley

August 23, 2012

Dear Dee, I remember you both back in Maywood. These years went by fast and we did a lot of living and enjoying life. Nelson will always be in our thoughts and he will live in our hearts. Wayne and I send our love and hope you find comfort in your family and friends. ...

August 23, 2012

DEAR DEE~~~SKIP AND I SO ENJOYED LOOKING THROUGH THIS WONDERFUL ALBUM~~~~A LIFE WELL LIVED!! ~~~~OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND NELSON, MARILYN AND WAYNE TODAY AND IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

LOVE AND PEACE,
KAREN AND SKIP

Snooks and Hillarys, Cambria, CA

Jill and Ron Hillary

August 23, 2012

Dear Dee~
Nels was the best example of a fighter that we have ever been privileged to know. He gave his family an amazing gift of an extra thirteen years!! We hold many fond memories of Nels. We send love and healing thoughts to all of you.

janie medina

August 23, 2012

your family is in my prayers....

Dan & Julie Harmon

August 23, 2012

Dear Dee and Family - there are no words which can soften the pain you all must be feeling. I can only assure you, our thoughts are with you. A brave man was lost and a dear friend to my parents will be missed.

Harvey & Karla Bartel

August 23, 2012

Dee & family,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Nels was indeed a fighter for life. We hope your many memories will give you solace in the coming months.

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