David Snider

David Snider

David Paul Snider, 72, passed away unexpectedly on January 22, 2021. David was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Lebanon at the American University of Beirut. David then earned his Master of Science in Library Science from Wayne State University before moving to Arizona in the mid 1970's.

David started his professional life working for the City of Mesa in the Parks and Recreation Department Library Division. In 1977, David moved to Casa Grande, the community he called home for the next 54 years. David loved the desert, Casa Grande and Arizona where he became a true community leader, friend to all he met and a subject expert in municipal government and water resources, which he used to benefit not only Casa Grande, but also all of Pinal County and the State of Arizona.

For 26 years, David worked for the City of Casa Grande as Library Director, as well as serving as Acting and Interim City Manager on occasion. As Library Director, he expanded the reach and service of the library. During this time, the library took on a larger and more central role in the community and, mirroring the way David approached life, it took on bigger roles and more responsibilities. During his time as the Library Director, he had the distinction of being the youngest president of the State of Arizona Library Association, and for three years, served on the Executive Board of the American Library Association based in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1992, David was elected to the Casa Grande Elementary School District Governing Board where he served for 12 years, seven of them as president. In 2002, he was elected to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, leading it at a time when Pinal County was among the fastest growing counties in the nation. David grew quickly into that leadership role, guiding the County to landmark decisions on water use and management. His in-depth knowledge of water issues included serving as the Vice Chair of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority, where he was known throughout Arizona. David was an active consultant on water, serving on a number of statewide water resource commissions and boards, nominated to those positions by successive Arizona governors. Later in life, David once again ran for the Casa Grande Elementary School District Board, an elected position he cherished, and again, David served as the President of that Board, a position he held until his premature death. In further support of students and secondary education, David was an active Board member of the Central Arizona College Foundation. A student scholarship has been established in his name.

David was an avid community advocate and for over 25 years was a strong proponent of domestic violence prevention, serving continuously as a board member and Secretary of Against Abuse Inc. He was also an active member of the Latino Familia Initiative and was a strong supporter of veterans and the military.

Lastly, it was often said in jest that David never met a microphone he did not like. As such, David was asked time and time again to Emcee professional gatherings and fund-raising events, adding his own brand of humor to the delight of all who attended. Throughout his adult life, David spent countless hours in public and personal meetings as he built relationships all across the county and the State.

David is survived by his life partner, Merrilyn Ridgeway. David is also survived by his brother, Myk Snider (Gina) and a stepson Brent George (Kristi). David will be missed by hundreds of friends and virtually all who knew him. David was preceded in death by his parents Paul B. Snider, PhD and June P. (Milner) Snider and his sister, Kathie (Snider) Downs.

A celebration of his life and legacy will take place once the COVID 19 pandemic has subsided. Donations can be made in David's memory to Against Abuse Inc, Casa Grande Friends of the Library, and the Central Arizona College Foundation David Snider Scholarship Fund, www.centralaz.edu/give.