Charles Laird Snelgrove

Charles Laird Snelgrove 1911 ~ 2003  Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor, Charles Laird Snelgrove, died peacefully at his home Monday, February 17, 2003, of complications from pancreatic cancer. Laird was born May 19, 1911, to Charles Rich Snelgrove and Fidella Flint Laird Snelgrove in their family home located in Sugarhouse. Laird was the oldest child whose parents and siblings adored and admired him. His father's employment opportunities in Idaho and Montana caused the family to leave Salt Lake temporarily. They returned to their cherished neighborhood of Sugarhouse where Laird spent a joyful childhood and matured into an ambitious but shy young man, having attended Forest Elementary, Irving Junior High, and LDS High schools. Laird served an LDS mission in the New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Mexico region from 1930 to 1933. This experience was the beginning of a lifelong love of the Spanish language, Spanish speaking cultures, and travel adventures. After his mission Laird embarked on university studies but the demands of his father's new enterprise, the Snelgrove Ice Cream Company founded in 1929, required his time and energy. For decades the business represented quality entrepreneurship and "Artistry in Pleasure Foods." It became a commercial and confectionery legend in the Salt Lake Valley. After Dreyer's Ice Cream acquired the company in 1990 Laird maintained an active role in sales and marketing strategies, mentoring the young executives at Dreyer's. As a businessman in the Intermountain region Laird was revered for his integrity, insight and work ethic. Laird was a man of profound faith and religious conviction. He embraced spiritual callings with reverence and unequivocal dedication of his time and energy. In 1938 Laird was called as counselor to the bishopric of Lincoln Ward in Sugarhouse and in 1940 he became Bishop of Lincoln Ward. During subsequent years he was counselor in the Granite Stake presidency in Sugarhouse. In 1960 while managing a thriving ice cream business he was called to preside over the Argentine Mission for four years. This was a unique learning experience for his entire family. Now Dad could share with us in tow his love of foreign language and travel. In Argentina he became a revered and inspirational mission president to the native people and to his extensive corps of missionaries. Personal expressions of gratitude from former missionaries for his guidance and special attentions have flowed endlessly. After returning from Argentina Laird was called as a member of the Church Home Teaching Committee, and then for five years he served as a Regional Representative of the Council of Twelve Apostles. For eighteen years Laird and his wife Edna served on the Church Hosting Committee, entertaining prominent visitors from many corners of the world. Until two months ago Laird still eagerly fulfilled any church assignment given him; all were essential, non too humble. In 1940 Laird married his Arizona sweetheart, Edna Haynie, in the Mesa Temple. He always said this was the smartest decision of his life. Indeed, he always honored Mother because she was his most precious jewel. He wrote poetry for her and brought her fresh roses from the garden. They made their first home in Sugarhouse where they raised six children, three daughters followed by three sons. Laird loved the personal challenge and joy of community service. For many years beginning in 1954 he was active in International Visitors, Utah Council, serving two terms as president, then as treasurer of the National Board of Directors of the National Council. During the Reagan administration he served as Escort Officer to foreign dignitaries for the U.S. State Department. Since 1955 Laird has been a devoted member of the Sugarhouse Club of Rotary International, serving twice as club president and in 1985 as district governor. He believed intensely in the mission statement of the Rotary Club: "Service Above Self." Laird received the Silver Beaver Award from the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America. During many years he and Mother enjoyed the socialization and responsibilities of membership in the Bonneville Knife and Fork Club, serving as director, vice president, and later as president. The notion of "retiring" was both alien and unacceptable to Laird. He obtained his private pilot's license in 1973 at the youthful age of 62. He always sought to enrich his mind and ennoble his spirit. Thus, in his late sixties, fifty years after his first college course was interrupted by business obligations, Laird embarked on his lifelong dream to be an educated man. On February 13, 2003, in a special ceremony he was awarded his cherished bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from Brigham Young University, gaining the double distinction of being the oldest graduate of BYU. Laird treasured every member of his family. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Edna Haynie Snelgrove, and six children: Patricia (Joseph S.) Bergeson, Maridell (S. Brent) Sutherland, Joy (Thomas) Woolf, Laird Jr. (Christine) Snelgrove, Stephen (Holly) Snelgrove, Richard (JoLynn) Snelgrove; sixteen grandchildren; sisters Mona (Alan W.) Layton, Muriel (Clarence S.) Johnston, and sister-in-law Lucille (Joel Barr) Snelgrove. He was preceded in death by his brother Joel Barr Snelgrove. To honor the life of our devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, a viewing will be held Friday, February 21, from 6 to 8 p.m., Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive (2400 East). The funeral service will take place at the same location Saturday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. preceded by a viewing from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Interment Salt Lake City Cemetery. Under the direction of Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary. Your journey on this Earth is perfected. And now you must begin another adventure. We celebrate and will always cherish your goodness, beauty, faithfulness, and humor. You will continue to be an inspiration "non-pareil." Your smile will cheer us, your example will guide us. Without love there is no grief. Adios Daddy.