Kenneth Snyder

After a happy and productive day, doing things he loved, Kenneth Lynn Snyder passed away suddenly of natural causes on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Ken was born December 4, 1949 to Eldon and Ruth Snyder. He was the eldest of six children.

Naturally athletic, Ken participated in several sports in high school and worked several side jobs during that time.

After graduation from Ronan High School, he married Suzanne Knudsen.  Together they had three children. Ken worked for Dupuis Sawmill and Plum Creek before starting his own construction company. He acquired electrical skills working with his father-in-law, Norm Knudsen, and plumbing skills working with his step-father Everett DeVor.  Ken built custom frame or log homes for several years and was an exceptional finish carpenter.

Soon after their purchase of The Valley Club Bar and Café from Eldon in 1989, Ken and Suzanne divorced and Ken continued to run the business.

In 1996, Ken married Donnita Paulson and they ran the business together until it was sold in 2015.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son, and his sister Kathy Coffman.  He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Donnita, daughter Charlotte Snyder (Mike Leidle) of Helena, Jason (Sandy) Snyder of Helena, Staci Snyder (Steve Martin) of Helena, stepchildren Heather Mumby (Josh Molzhon) of Columbia Falls and Jeff Mumby of Kalispell. He is also survived by siblings Kim Snyder of Ronan, Kris (Jim) Paro of Ronan, Kelly (Walt) Bailey of Polson and Kay (Bill) Langan of Spokane, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Was there anything Ken couldn’t figure out?  Was there any task he wouldn’t attempt?  Was there anyone he wouldn’t help?

A Celebration honoring Ken’s life, including a potluck meal, will be held at the Horticulture Barn at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 10 at 1 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made in Ken’s name to: LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, Friends of the Fairgrounds (FOG).