Harry Snyder

I met Harry (& Vivian) in the early 70`s when I passed near Samoa on a sailing boat. We remained friends for more than fifty years as I started my own family, became a public health physician, and joined him in several social justice campaigns. Measuring the positive impact of Harry`s advocacy on people`s lives would be impossible, because there were so many campaigns, some waged quietly and others rowdily, but generally all with a little humor ... such as the slogan for the efforts to distribute tons of govt surplus cheese to those in need - Free the Cheese!

One of his little known campaigns affected a comminity I worked in directly. Many public hospitals, such as the county hospital I trained in as a family physician, were losing money in the 1980`s and were being bought up by for-profit hospital chains. Harry passed legislation forcing such takeovers across the counzry to create foundations, commensurate with the value of the hospital, that would be devoted to providing care and services to indigent patients too often neglected by the hospital´s new for-profit mandate.

There is a quote from the Talmud, which I think Harry`s life genuinely exemplified:

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world`s grief.
Do justly now.
Love mercy now.
Walk humbly now.
You are not obligated to finish the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

Harry, you lived well, showed us how to live and die with dignity and grace, and you leave a legacy of good works that will resonate for generations.

I took Harry's public health advocacy course while at Berkeley. Between him and Tony Iton, it was the kind of class where we wrote down their every word, that's how prolific and engaging, their course was. He had such a broad network of folks to bring in, a testament to not only his intelligence but his indelible impact on everyone he met. He will be missed!

I knew Harry from Consumers Union. Harry was a great guy -- a tireless, effective advocate with a positive attitude and a sense of humor. Though I hadn't been in touch with Harry for years, I kept up with him through other former colleagues. RIP, Harry. Love and my thoughts to your family.

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Harry at Consumers Union. I learned so much from him - his passion for advocacy in the public interest was contagious and I caught it from him. He is one of those people who is always with me in spirit whenever I am standing up against incredible odds from the medical industry. It is sad to know that Harry is no longer walking on this planet, influencing new young would-be advocates; but it is joyful remembering how his teachings will continue for generations to come.

It was with great sadness that I read of Harry's passing in the paper. I was moved, but not at all surprised, to learn about the many wonderful things Harry accomplished and the many people he helped in his life. Harry was a true mensch -- a good person -- and it showed in how he expressed his love for his family and the way he interacted with the world around him. Knowing Harry was a gift. My heart goes out to Vivian and the whole family. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Warmly,
Elise Atkins

Harry made a huge difference in the lives of the students at UC Berkeley. His quiet but strong demeanor conveyed that he meant business and that he believed that everyone was a change agent. He supported my work in diversity and inclusion and always had a kind word or comment to me, in the midst of challenging times. I valued his camaraderie, his presence and his fierce fight for a better life for others. I am honored to have known this man . Harry, thank you and take it easy now. Your work and legacy will live forever.

I am very thankful to have known Harry and to have benefited from his guidance. Harry provided a lot of help with his wise advice when the Southern California Vipassana center was being birthed. He knew how to go about getting things done. And with heart.

harry was my neighbor on Cresta dr, when we were classmates & friends, he was very special even in the 40´ & 50´s. I last saw him at a Hamilton High School reunion in 1996. When we spoke, he remarked that this was our reality. We were no longer carefree students. I remember walking to his house, & speaking with his Mother. She was so kind & friendly to this high school girl, me.
I´m sorry that we had lost touch, but I had moved out of state, & he had moved north. I had seen him on tv news shows, & was so happy that he had such a humanitarian life. The world lost a really fine individual this week. My condolences to Vivian, & all of the Snyder family,Phyllis Small Grossman

Harry was the the best advocate for consumers in Sacramento: prepared, open-minded, committed, and kind.

Harry was a tremendous champion for the people when it came to consumer rights and healthcare justice. We lost a true giant but his legacy, passion and tenacity of spirit will continue to propel us forward. My deepest condolences to his family.

Sad news. Harry was an extra ordinary lawyer and person. He worked tirelessly on a couple of cy pres distributions that resulted from my CA Attorney General office cases. I learned a lot from him. May he rest in peace.

He is irreplaceable in so many ways. What a privilege to have worked with him over the years.

Never met him but read his obit today and compelled me to say - what a life well lived .
He inspired me to get more into meditation as well RIP Harry

So sorry for your loss. I never met Harry until I read his obit today, but afterwards thought what a life well lived. What value he brought to the world! And based on his picture, I could only surmise that he did not suffer fools gladly. He got stuff done. How lucky his family was to have him!

A lovely guy, what was not to love. Kind, gentle, sweet, and humble, Yet fearless, not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. An honour and blessing to have known him, he inspired one to be a better person. I am grateful to have shared time with him and his loving partner, Vivian.

I remember when he told me "only boring people get bored." When I brought it up to him a few months later he told me "hmm I´m not sure why I said that. Sometimes I just say things but it doesn´t mean you should take them to heart."
I thought this was so funny