Edward Snider

Memorial Service: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Moose Lodge in Colstrip.

Ed was born August 21, 1947 to John and Joyce Snider. He spent much of his younger life with his grandparents Roy and Beula Snider in Hot Springs, MT working in the flower shop and enjoying daily sourdough pancakes. Ed's high school years were spent with his dad in Hampton, MT. Here he excelled in football and pole vaulting. He shared his love and knowledge of Pole Vaulting in Colstrip, MT for many years. Ed graduated from Hamilton High School in 1965. On Oct. 19, 1966 he joined the Army with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. When Ed came home from Vietnam on Oct. 12, 1968, he had been awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism in ground combat and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight. He received a second Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. Ed returned home and began working with his father as a logger. On Sept. 20, 1969 he married Julie Hughes. On Apr. 26, 1970 the first love of his life arrived in his oldest daughter Toni Snider. Ed then moved to Arizona to work with heavy equipment and drive dirt track race cars. While in Arizona he married Pamela Fortman. On Oct. 4, 1974 the second love of his life arrived in Kimberly Snider and on Dec. 23, 1977 the third love Brandi Snider arrived. Ed was then able to come back to the mountains he loved. He spent vacations every year hunting elk and deer. After hauling the elk out by foot for several years, he began his love/hate relationship with horses, especially Stamper. Ed, Stamper, his many friends and his hunting partner and nephew Billy Hakala, had many successful trip to the mountains. Ed spent 25 years at the mine at Colstrip driving heavy equipment and spending his time off with the family and many friends whom he loved dearly. In 1998 Ed was given the final love in his life, Anita Brown. Ed spent his life enjoying and sharing the things he loved. You could always find Ed entertaining his friends with stories and tall tales, and teaching his girls all the "tricks he learned in the Army".

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy Snider, his grandparents, and Pam (Fortman) Cade. He is survived by his daughters and numerous grandchildren, a brother Mike Snider and a sister Lynnie Glaspie. They are surrounded by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Ed has requested your thoughtfulness be sent to Colton Conroy Memorial Scholarship, First Interstate Bank, Colstrip, MT.