Gary Snyder Obituary

Gary Snyder

Gary Price Snyder, 80, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2019. Born in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, Gary graduated from Queen Anne High School where he was an all-city baseball & basketball player. After high school, he accepted a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Washington. While earning a degree in education, he was a member of the 1959 Hall of Fame Husky baseball team that was the first UW squad to reach the NCAA Baseball Regionals. One of four members of that team to sign a professional contract, he went on to play for two years in the SF Giants organization. Graduating with honors and excelling in college sports is quite an achievement, but this was not the most important thing he did during his time at the UW.

That distinction goes to the great gift of meeting his lovely wife Tonette with whom he spent 57 years. Together they had 3 sons and 7 adoring grandkids. A charter member of the Washington State Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, he led Shorecrest High School to the AAA state championship title in 1975. A Mercer Island resident for 41 years, Gary became the vice principal and athletic director at Mercer Island High School in 1979 and remained there until his retirement in 1996. His career as a teacher, coach and administrator was governed by a single guiding principal - "if you aren't in it for the kids, you shouldn't be in it at all." He was tough, fair, organized, compassionate and supremely committed. He operated with the belief that every kid needed a second chance, and that every kid had the capacity to succeed. Gary lived with a steadfast commitment to Christ, being a part of a prison ministry for over 20 years after his retirement.

He had a "Garism" for virtually every situation, and he was never late to the dinner table. He will be dearly missed by the family, friends, players and students that had the pleasure of knowing him! A private service will be held on 11/9/19.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Nov. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Snyder

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10 Entries

Herbert Foulk

May 15, 2025

Played 2nd base state title game 1976 Sicks Stadium great coach

Gary Hellwig

April 3, 2023

The greatest teacher and coach who influenced my career choice as an educator. An even better man who I will never forget. Gary hellwig

Ed Clark

July 9, 2021

My apologies for this belated condolence.

Gary was one of my Dad's favorite ballplayers. He was so proud that Gary went into Education & coaching.

Dad bragged to anyone who would listen about what a stellar program Gary had built at Shorecrest. Later, he really enjoyed coaching against Gary in American Legion summer games in the late 60's.

My sincerest & deepest condolences.

December 30, 2019

Shorecrest '65 student. Member of baseball team as manager/scorekeeper. He was great mentor and friend. My sincere condolences. Mike Redwine

David Normile

November 16, 2019

Gary played basketball for my dad at Queen Anne High school (Ray Normile) and I meet him in 1958 when I was 12 and had my picture taken with the 5 starters for the Seattle Times article about the Seattle free throw contest.
I followed his career and would run in to him at QA functions over the years with my dad.
He was always great to my dad and me.
Our family also followed his son career as a basketball player and coach.
A real honor and privilege to have Gary and his family.
David Normile

Jeff Woods

November 12, 2019

It was an honor and a privilege to have Coach Snyder as a friend, teacher, & coach. He was a special person in my life and a lot of his "GARISMS" I have tried to live by and pass on today. We stayed in contact over the years and I consider him a mentor. In March of 2018, myself and some of his former players at Shorecrest gathered to honor him. Players from 1968-1976 were in attendance. It was three hours of a lot of laughs, and many fond memories were shared by men who played for a man who at the time, ran one of the top high school baseball programs in the state at Shorecrest. It was a day I'll never forget and it meant so much to Coach Snyder. Coach, is in a better place now with Tonette. I'm going to miss our occasional talks and lunches. They don't make 'em like him anymore. See ya go coach, see ya go.

Roger Brockway

November 7, 2019

Thanks Coach! Being part of a State champ team is a favorite memory of High School. You made such an impact on so many.
Rest In Peace

William Vickery

November 4, 2019

Gary and I taught at Shorecrest High school for many years. When I taught Industrial Arts metal shop he convinced me of the need for batting cages for his baseball team.
My students constructed these as well as other pieces of equipment he had no budget for, all for 'his boys' on the team during his early coaching years. His beautiful wife always presented us with a cake she baked especially for us as a thank you. When I became a school counselor and needed to chat with Gary about a student related issue he was always there to help. It was like having a counselor in the PE department. Having Gary, Gil Inaba and Andy Slatt all three in that department was the best team Of PE teachers Shorecrest had during those years.
Gary and I attended Seattle University together in their MA in School Administration program.
When he was in your class as a student, believe me HE SET THE BAR for academic achievement.
I checked to see if he was in my class at opening day and breathed a sigh of relief if he wasn't. Thinking, now I have a chance to get an 'A'.
Gary, a great coach, teacher and most importantly, an outstanding person.
Thanks for the privilege of knowing you.

U W Baseball Team

Carlton Olson

November 4, 2019

Played against Gary at the All-State game in Rainier Park in '57 and with him for 4 years at the U of W. He was a great teammate, a powerful competitor and a gracious and kind person. Very fond memories.
Carlton

November 3, 2019

Gary Snyder was a great teacher, coach and mentor and will be greatly missed.

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