Daniel Kelly Sniffin

1942 - 2022

DANIEL DAN KELLY SNIFFIN

January 6, 1942 - February 28, 2022

It is with profound sadness that Dan Sniffin's family announces his passing at the age of 80 years. Left with the memories of a life well lived, we say goodbye to Dan, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Dan was born on January 6, 1942, in San Francisco, CA, to Grant Calvin Sniffin and Inez Jesse (Killingsworth) Sniffin. Following a brief illness he died peacefully at home on February 28, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert A. Sniffin, sister Terri Lynne Sniffin-Frazier, nephew Robert Sniffin and granddaughter Kaitlyn Dadian Parker.

Dan grew up in Bakersfield, CA, where he graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1959. He then studied music at Bakersfield Junior College. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from California State University of Fresno, he made Fresno, CA his home.

Dan was an extraordinary man of many passions. He was a member of the Bakersfield College Mixed Choir and competed in the 1965 Eisteddfod International Music Festival in North Wales and won by one point. They were honored to attend a private audience with Pope Paul VI and they were invited to perform for President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Rose Garden of the White house. At the 50th reunion of their victory Dan helped to spearhead the creation of a documentary of their experience. One Heart<>One Voice, premiered in October 2017 at Bakersfield College with two standing ovations.

Photography was a lifelong passion and his images have graced homes, businesses, hospitals and private collections internationally. He had an exquisite eye for detail and composition and sharing his vision. He formed many rich and enduring friendships through his photography.

Dan's professional career spanned 55 years, ten years with New York Life and 45 years with State Farm Insurance. His production and dedication to serving his clients allowed him to travel extensively. His professional high point was achieving State Farm's Crystal Excellence Award, requiring twenty consecutive years in their Legion of Honor. He served three generations of policyholders with the same daily mission, do the right thing every time.

Dan's passion for genealogy and remembering the lives of his ancestors spanned 50 years and led to in-depth research of the American Civil War. In his later years he turned to writing his memoirs and family history for the benefit of future generations. He wrote multiple personal essays and a history of his family titled, Ever So Great.

Dan is survived by his wife, Denise Dadian Sniffin, son Scott Sniffin and his wife Traci; and their three sons, Cameron, Cole and Connor, of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter Lane Rebelo and her husband, Andre, and their children Clara and A.J. of Boylston, MA; sister Sandra Sniffin-Doll and her husband David of Fresno, CA; Natalee London and her husband Jason, and their son Micha of Madera, CA and two great grandchildren Audrey and Austin Parker of Virginia Beach, VA., along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, business associates, Susan Mosley his assistant of 32 years and his precious Aussies.

He will be remembered by all who knew him for his integrity, loyalty, infectious humor and his friendly and generous nature.

Please join in celebration of this remarkable man's life, which will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 1:00pm at the San Joaquin River Parkway, 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, CA 93730.

Donations in his name can be made to the 1965 Bakersfield College Choir Alumni Association scholarship fund 65bakersfieldcollegechoir.com

www.bakersfield.com/obits