Ron Snyder

Ron Snyder, 83, passed away Oct. 8, at his home in Kettle Falls.

Born in Chewelah on Nov. 1, 1941, Ron was a very active member of the local community throughout his life.

As a young man, he served in the Washington State Patrol as a trooper, later earning “Trooper of the Year" in 1972. The only officer in Pend Oreille County for seven years, he was soon promoted to sergeant. During his time in the WSP, he trained and certified others in First Aid to assist with accident scenes. Ron would be invited to then train and certify local school staff members, and went on to teach bicycle safety to the students as well.

Changing careers in 1978, Ron and his wife Anadee purchased Kettle Falls Realty Inc. They would join the Windermere Real Estate organization in 1993. Together they built a highly respected and successful business, giving back to their community through donations, and many local events.

Always willing to lend a hand, Ron would plow driveways and walkways, collect garbage for family and friends, and focus on community efforts, like installing the Kettle Falls net pens along Lake Roosevelt in 1985, and generating current awareness for the Kettle Falls Pool Slide Fundraiser.

Never one to sit still, Ron was a licensed pilot, winging throughout Washington State, even flying with his son Don to the 1992 Oshkosh, Wisconsin annual air show and fly-in. An avid boater as well, Ron and his family and friends enjoyed many excursions on the Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands. As a farmer, Ron grew and harvested alfalfa, feeding and caring for the deer and wild turkeys that would visit him in the fields.

Ron is survived by Anadee, his loving wife of 64 years, and his daughter Debbie, son Don and daughter-in-law Julie, grandchildren Brittney, Kevin and Joel, and Gia, and great granddaughters Caitlyn and Kara. He is also survived by his siblings Judy, Bob, Paula  and Ed.

In honor of Ron, a private memorial service will be held for his family and friends this spring.

Please consider making donations in Ron’s name to either the Kettle Falls Pool Slide Fundraiser, or to the American Cancer Society.