December 21, 1940 - November 21, 2018
Albert J. Snyder, 77, of Cadillac, Michigan left us on Thanksgiving Day to join his heavenly family. Al was born December 21, 1940 to Martha (Hutchinson) and Albert Snyder in Detroit, Mi. He married his beloved Lenore Snyder whom he met at youth camp in their mid-twenties. Al graduated from Central Michigan University with a BA degree in education. He taught in the Royal Oak school system for ten years. Afterwards, he opened up his own bicycle shop in Manistee, Mi. and later pursued radio and sales in Benzie County Mi. He had many passions that included bicycling, camping, trains and amateur radio. He could fix or repair darn near anything. For years he lived on a few acres of land right outside of Evart, MI. There he constructed an elaborate train station. When you walk into the train room, the first thing that you see is the heart of nature. The little characteristics of the landscape, handmade buildings and figurines brought his second home to life. His travels always gave him exciting ideas, when he would return he’d have another memory to add upon. Another project he designed was his own amateur radio room. This room was a whirl wind of electronics that few people understood. To Al it’s where he could be himself while talking to friends from across the world. Al had many friends and touched the lives of many people with his easy going personality. It is with great sadness but also grace that we say goodbye to “Big Al” husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and a loyal friend. May his kindness be passed on to all who knew him. Al was preceded in death by his wife Lenore Snyder, parents Martha and Albert Snyder as well as Martha’s second husband Cameron J. Beck, sisters Martha Eaton and Alice Larken. He is survived by his daughter Molly Anne Haynes, (Rochester, Minnesota) his favorite (and only) granddaughter Brittany Rachelle Haynes, (Rochester, Minnesota) his sister Ethel Mary Hashoian, several nieces and nephews and friend Steve Jackson. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the physicians and nurses at Munson medical center,Traverse City, for making Al comfortable in his last remaining hours and to Covell Funeral home for final arrangements.
"Everyone keep a big smile on your face, this is KB8FJB signing out."(SK)
Here is a fairly recent photo of Big Al taken back in late
October of 2018.
Very sad news. We
all have great memories of him and Lenore. Now they are together.
RIP.
73, Bob - N0BIX
Here's a shot that N0BIX has provided us with of Big Al and
Lenore from many years ago.
Sad news indeed.
We've lost a true friend who always maintained a positive attitude throughout
his extensive health issues.
73, John N5AAA
Here's a shot of Big Al during HamVention of 2014 with Dave
- W8TVC. Also Bruce - W6RBM is in the background on the left.
Sad news indeed.
Al was a true IOOKer.
Loyd - K8EI
Big Al loved his model trains. Here's a shot from
August of 2014 with his outdoor train setup!
So very sad... please keep us appraised of funeral services... RIP Big Al...
Jim – KA8SFL
Here's a shot of Big Al in his hamshack.
Big Al was quite handy at making things as well! Here
are a couple of shots of small camper he made from scratch.
Big Al will be missed. Many memories. RIP Al!
We will always remember you.
Fast Eddie - W8ED
Here's a shot taken in September of 2011 of a small portion
of Big Al's indoor model train setup!
I will deeply miss Big Al. I often visited with him when I was passing through town. We met many, many times for lunch over the years.
Loosing Big Al will create a large open hole in my circle of friends! 73 and RIP Big AL!
Sincerely, Keith - WA8ZWJ
Here's a shot of Big Al taken at lunch in late November of
2011. What a great smile!
Sad, sad! We will all miss Big Al!
Max - K1MAX
