Jack D. Snyder, 87, of Forsyth passed away December 7, 2013 surrounded by his family and the caring staff of St. Vincent’s Healthcare.
Jack was born July 14, 1926 in Lovell, Wyoming to William Blain Snyder and Mildred Ruth Dahl Snyder. As a young man, Jack along with his family operated a sheep ranch known as Snyder Bros. Sheep Co. Jack graduated from Lovell High School in 1944, as valedictorian of his class. He then attended the University of Wyoming for a short time, returning home to help with the war effort. The family produced wool for blankets and clothing during WWII. The Snyder Bros. Sheep Co. later became Montana Wyoming Sheep Company then to become the Big Timber Livestock Co. Jack’s ranching skills would raise pure bloodlines and breeding that produced unique wool blends. Jack became one of the most respected sheep men in Wyoming and Montana.
In 1952 Jack married Elizabeth (Betty) Kelley, a ranch girl from Helmville, MT, together they had three children.
Since 1965 and after Betty’s death in 1968 Jack became a single father, raising his children on the sheep ranches of Lovell, WY and Ingomar, MT. Late in 1968 Jack moved to Forsyth, sold his interest in the sheep business and purchased Buff’s Bar. For the next 40 years he would become President of the Montana Tavern Association for 12 of those years, lobbied and became instrumental in instituting Montana’s gaming laws. Along that journey he cultivated many wonderful friendships throughout the state that still remain today. He will be remembered for his wiry sense of humor, his knowledge of ranching, politics, economics, world history and current events. He was an avid reader, had a kind heart and a certain humility that quietly motivated him to help many in need. Jack never met a dog or a horse that he didn’t love…..
Jack enjoyed traveling to the family cabin in the Big Horn Mountains spending time with his family, his mother, sibling and all their kids. He especially enjoyed flying to California and Loughlin, NV to visit his sister.
Jack is preceded in death by Betty, the mother of his children, his father and mother William B. Snyder & Mildred R. Richarson of Lovell.
He is survived by his brother Bob Snyder of Cody, WY, sister Sylvia Batenhorst of Basin, WY, sister Helen Snyder of Ajai, CA, his children Robby (Patti) Snyder of Billings, Gary Snyder of Phoenix, Nancy (Curt) Sample of Forsyth, six grandchildren four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews that were very fond of their uncle Jack.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 to 5:00
Sunday December 15, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday December 16, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 to 5:00
Sunday December 15, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday December 16, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Kay Crosby Dooley says
Nancy, Curt, & Steve – Gary and Robbie
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I knew Jack is many roles, my friend’s Dad, a boss, and a friend. He will be missed by many but by none as much as his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always keep him close in your memories, celebrate as you see what you loved most about him in each other.
In deep sympathy and a heart filled with fond memories.
Kay
Ken & Joyce Holmlund says
Nancy, Curt and all of Jacks Family
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember the good years you had. May God be with you all!
Ken & Joyce
Connie Brown says
Nancy, Curt and family,
Sorry to hear, for your family and Jack’s friends, of his passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Jack, he was a great help to me when I ran the Far West Cafe & Lounge. I am sure we all have a story or two of Jack coming to our aid. May God give you strength at this time and in the days to come, my prayers are with you!
Joan Leinwand says
Nancy, Curt, and Steven,
My condolences.
Bobbi Ann&Crystal Lynn Old Crow says
curt and nancy&family sorry for you loss.you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember jack @ buffs bar.Bobbi Ann & Crystal Lynn Old Crow
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Jack D. Snyder – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Snyder. God did not purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12) and has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled causing God’s “will to be done as in Heaven also upon Earth“ (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a better future (John 17:3).
Gordon Dean says
Nancy, Curt, Steven and family- I am saddened and very sorry that Jack is gone. I hope that the pain of losing him will be tempered and sweetened by your good memories of him and by remembering what a good guy he was.
It was always a pleasant to find him at his usual place at the bar drinking his coffee. It is difficult losing good old guys like Jack.
G. M. Dean
Dennis and Diane Hubbard says
Nancy, Curt and Steven,
We were sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. May your memories always keep him close to you. With deepest sympathy,
Dennis and Diane Hubbard
George & Julie Stephens says
Nancy, Curt, and Steven,
Just heard of Jack’s passing. We are so heart broken for you and the rest of his family. We can’t be there as you celebrate Jack’s life and legacy, but know we will be thinking of you. May all those treasured memories fill your heart to replace the sadness of loosing him. You’ll be surprised how close you feel to him-even though he isn’t physically with you. May you find peace in remembering past holidays to get you through this Christmas.
George & Julie
Steve Grywusiewicz says
Curt, Nancy & Steve
Not sure if I can come up with the words to describe how I feel about losing Jack. Obviously you all have my condolences. I just loved Jack. He was a really cool guy that always treated me in a caring manner and I loved visiting with him most of all. He was like a walking fountain of information and oh so kind. I’m gonna miss him for sure. May the Lord comfort you in this time and watch out after you.
Nephew Randy Ketelsen says
Uncle Jack let us stay in his house in Lovell when my dad was laid off for 6 months. I brought my Australian-Border Collie mix puppy with me and Jack really loved him. When Uncle Jack would visit California, I would take a day or so off from my job with the Navy to take him around historical places and secret roads on the mountains overlooking the ocean and Santa Barbara besides other places. He was smart and a good person to cruise around with because he was intellectually engaging. We had some good days together. God Bless Uncle Jack forever and forever.
DDavis says
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jack’s passing… Some of my favorite memories of my time in Montana include sitting at Buff’s and listening to him tell stories of all the amazing things that he had done throughout his life. And his tone and demeanor was always so incredibly humble. Jack was a man who would tell you like it is and give you the shirt off his back at the same time. He helped me in ways I can’t even explain… His kindness and his friendship will never be forgotten. Thank you, Jack.