In Memory
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Richard W. Snyder
January 23,1927 ~ February 15, 2023
Richard W. Snyder, 76, died peacefully February 15, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona with his wife, Lynnette, at his side.
Rick was born in South Bend, Indiana on January 23, 1947 to Ida E. (Hepler) and Alfred W. Snyder. He attended South Bend Community Schools through middle school. He graduated from Cassopolis High School, Adrian College, and The University of Michigan Law School.
At Adrian College, Rick served as president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon; was editor of the newspaper; and in later years served on the Board of Trustees.
Rick was a Vietnam Veteran in the Army.
Rick began his career as an attorney with William Navarre in Jackson, Michigan. He returned to South Bend and practiced law at Jaicomo & Snyder while serving as Chief Counsel of Lowe’s, Inc. Years later Rick was a sole practitioner specializing in Intellectual Property law for three companies in the collectable, toys, and infant care industries.
Rick is survived by his partner and wife of 28 years, Lynnette Kincade Snyder, and numerous nieces and nephews.
One of Rick’s greatest attributes was how interested, thoughtful, and engaging he was with those he loved and knew, and those he just met. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at ease. His wife, Lynn, would say “There are no strangers when Rick Snyder is around”. He was brilliant, had an infectious laugh, was a master story teller, a great listener, and shared with others his confidence in them.
Rick had been athletic since his childhood. He loved playing football and watching Michigan games. Rick had a passion for fly fishing and learned the skills at a young age. Rick was most at peace when he was on a beautiful stretch of water in a quiet environ casting to trout. He also enjoyed introducing and helping others learn the art of fly fishing. He and a group of core friends and acquaintances would take an annual trip to fly fish, eat well, and tell stories. He and his wife traveled annually to Montana and Idaho to fish, camp, hike, and backpack. In Rick’s late 40’s, he took up the game of golf and practiced diligently. At his best, he was an 8 handicap and won the Midland Country Club Invitational with his longtime friend, Lynn Schefsky.
Rick was proceeded in death by his parents; his half siblings, James W. (Barbara) Snyder, Martha B. Snyder (Paul) Barkdull, and Wallace (Hilda) Wynn; and brother Alfred W. (Shirley, Rosemary) Snyder, II.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Condolences may be offered via email to RLSNYDER808@GMAIL.COM. Rick’s remains will be scattered near Dowagiac Creek, Michigan; Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park; and The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, Idaho. Please send memorial contributions to the Henry’s Fork Foundation, PO Box 550, Ashton, ID 83420 (www.henrysfork.org/donate) or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 (www.lbda.org/donate).
7/14/2025 djb
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