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Gary Snyder Obituary

Dr. Gary Richard Snyder passed away suddenly on July 8, 2013, in Bellingham, Washington, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 1, 1941, in Olympia, WA to Ruth (Cohn) and Charles Snyder and grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. Gary attended the University of Washington and graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. He married his college sweetheart, Alix Ann Grinstein, in 1964. He served in the Public Health Service at Johns Hopkins University and worked for 30 years as a family physician in Ferndale, WA. Beloved by his patients and those who knew him, Gary devoted his life to helping others and serving his community. He was a member of Whatcom North Rotary, the Washington Academy of Family Physicians and was honored to serve as a member of the St. Luke's and Peace Health (St. Joseph's) Hospital Boards. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, gardening, boating and skiing. He is survived by his wife Alix Ann, son Adam (Janna), daughter Elizabeth (Marc Weinstein), grandchildren Aviva, Xan and Sylvan and sister Carole Lea Raugust. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013, 1pm at Butterworth Funeral Home - Arthur A. Wright Chapel, 520 West Raye St., Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Luke's Foundation, 800 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

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Published by Bellingham Herald on Jul. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Snyder

Not sure what to say?





Don and Karen Berry

July 24, 2013

Alix,
Don and I were so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I wish there were more than words at a time like this because they're never enough.... or they're simply too much. Just know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

July 22, 2013

Dear Alix and the entire Snyder Family;
I was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. It was so wonderful to get the chance to see you, Alix and Gary a couple of years back. You were both very important to my parents and I know they always held you both in high regard. Please accept my condolences and love.
Colin Campbell
[email protected]

Tammi Fox

July 15, 2013

I send my sincere condolences to the entire Snyder family. I hope you find comfort in each other at this difficult time. With love and virtual hugs,

Mandi Hollick

July 15, 2013

Dr. Snyder was the first doctor I remember. He was always so funny with his little bow ties in the 70's & 80's. My family has stayed in contact with him throughout the years after leaving Ferndale Medical. He will surely be missed.

July 13, 2013

Alix, I'm so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I fondly remember Gary through 25 years in Rotary together. He loved to say the blessings at our luncheons. He told the best joke I ever heard. I'll always treasure having had Gary as my friend.

Scott Piper

Sandra Matheson

July 12, 2013

I am so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great physician with a wonderful bedside manner and a genuine caring attitude for his patients. Above all, he was a great human being and dear friend. I am glad my children had the privilege of being his patients. I will always remember his smile and his love and pride for his flowers. He is deeply missed.

Judy Chermak

July 12, 2013

Dear Alix, Adam, and Liz: I heard about Gary's passing thro Walla Walla friends. My heart goes out to you. The world has an empty spot in it with his transition. May peace and comfort and loving memories prevail. My love and deep empathy, Judy Chermak

July 11, 2013

Alix, Adam, and Liz. Our deepest sympathies. So many wonderful memories. From skiing at Mission Ridge to summers at Lake Chelan and all the times at Sandy Point. Gary always treated us like one of his own. Always will remember his unique and biting humor. Huge positive influence on my life. Alix, you epitomize the definition of unconditional love. Such a strong woman for the years when Gary needed you most. Great job at the service today Adam. Love you all. Scott and Rachel

Doris Terry

July 11, 2013

Condolences to the Snyder family. Doctor Snyder was our family doctor for years and he was a very special man. A quick smile and straight talk.

Judy Larcom

July 11, 2013

Dr. Snydar was my doctor starting in 1970
have never met such a caring doctor.
He will be truley missed and my heart goes out to the Snydar Family

July 11, 2013

Fond and wonderful memories going back to the 7th grade in Walla Walla for a life well lived......Terry Parsons

July 11, 2013

So sorry to learn of Gary's passing. He was so good to our family some years ago when sickness and death came our way. Equally important, he became a friend because he was such a good person and skilled Doc. We feel blessed to have known him.

He's probably organizing a group to go fishin' or on a walk....

Condolences and support to you, Alix, and family.
Marge & Scott

July 11, 2013

To Gary's Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing! I remember him as a fun, sweet, and good man. Alex, you have been a loving partner to him and I am praying for you all! Love, Darcie (Haskell)

Joyce Pfluger

July 11, 2013

To the Snyder Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss, it was a pleasure working with Gary and Alex for many years.

Janice Stollberg

July 11, 2013

Dr. Snyder was our family doctor once we moved to Ferndale. We missed him very much once he retired. He was a wonderful doctor and a happy person, we will miss him very much. Our thoughts to the family. The last time I seen him was in Costco about 1 year ago and I got a big hug from him.

John & Karen Arbini

July 10, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Alix. We are so very sorry to learn of Gary's passing and know that he will be greatly missed. So many good times remembered that will never be forgotten. All our love -

July 10, 2013

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather, openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy & at peace
our sincere condolences, Mike EMily & Garret

Barbara Anthony

July 10, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Gary was a kind man, And a good doctor. As a child I spent lots of time in the Snyder home, my mother Louise was their house cleaner. Gary was always kind and always smiling. Such a lovely family.He will be missed but not forgotten

Amy Schneidmiller

July 10, 2013

Thinking of you Liz, and all of your kin. Love. And hold his memory in your hand and heart.

Gretchen Miller Kafoury

July 10, 2013

Alix - the memories are coming fast and furiously right now!! I was just in Walla Walla and Gary is always part of my time there - a HUGE part.
Love to all - Gretchen

July 10, 2013

Alix, Liz, and Adam: I wish you peace in your hearts during this difficult time. Your Dad has touched many, many lives with his spirit. Devoted husband and father, cherish the memories you all share. Love, Ava

July 10, 2013

I got to spend time working for Dr. Snyder in my Medical
Assistant program. We would race to SandyPoint at our lunch hour and he and his grand "new cars" beat me every time.

Annette Spencer

July 10, 2013

Alix, Adam, Liz,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel like I grew up with Dr Snyder (Gary) for most of my life. He hired me to work at Ferndale Family Medical Center in 1971. I was able to work with Gary for 28 years. He was there for David and My wedding, attended the birth of our two sons and been a caring and fun person to work with. I have several fond memories of the picnics at the beach. His wonderful jokes and caring ways.
Annette and David Spencer

Tim Benson

July 10, 2013

Alix and family,

You are in my thoughts and I hope you are all doing well.

July 10, 2013

I will always remember Dr. Snyder as the one and only "good ole family doc". He will be missed. This is a loss for so many people. My condolences to his family.

Linda Teshera

July 10, 2013

Alix, Liz and Adam and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Snyder. I have to tell you I loved working for him at Ferndale Medical Center. I always knew where I stood with him as an employee and I very much appreciated that. I also loved it when he would tell us stories about his internship, especially the one about delivering a baby on a kitchen table! And of course, the stories about his fish that he had stuffed and put on the wall! We had to book out extra time for patients because he had to walk them out and show off his fish! My heart goes out to you all and I will remember him as a wonderful man to work with!

Kirsten

July 10, 2013

I was his nurse for sixteen years my thoughs are with you Alix and your children

Susan Williams

July 9, 2013

Dr. Snyder was our Doctor at the Ferndale Family Clinic after our Dr. Veirs left. He was a very kind man and always loved to talk about his fish..his big fish !! We have thought of him often and now offer our prayers to his family in this time of sorrow. Take care of each other and may God be with you always. Susan, David & Kari Williams

Debra Ethier

July 9, 2013

Alix,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending loving prayers to you and your family.

July 9, 2013

Alix, Adam, Liz...so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. I will never forget Gary's smile and ability to make us all laugh. Many special memories fishing, crabbing and hanging out with you all. Love, Ryan

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Butterworth Funeral Home - Arthur A Wright Chapel & Queen Anne Columbarium

520 W Raye Street, Seattle, WA 98119

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