Joe Snyder

On Sunday, May 11, Joe passed away peacefully at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. His family, who had always been the center of his life, was all around him. Born on June 10, 1946, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Bob and Azalee (Cockrell) Snyder, the family moved to Shelton in 1949 when Joe was three. He was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

He graduated from Shelton High School in 1964 and was awarded the Rayonier Scholarship, covering most college expenses for four years. After high school, Joe attended Washington State University, graduating with a business degree in accounting with honors in 1968. He attended the University of Washington Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctorate and as a member of the Order of the Coif, one of the top students in the law class of 1971. Following law school, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, being posted in Boston. Shortly after arriving at WSU, he met Nancy Johnsen, whom he dated until they married in 1968. In 1973, he returned to Shelton with his family, which by then included Kristine and David, to practice law with his father. Because he had both an accounting degree and a law degree, he focused his practice on estate planning. Joe practiced law in Shelton for 50 years before retiring in 2023. Joe cared for the community and served on a variety of local committees as well as being a valued member of bank boards. In any gathering, he would strive to make everyone feel welcome with his genuine curiosity and disarming storytelling. He was elected to the Shelton School Board in 1979 and was chairman when it was named the Washington State School Board of the Year. No accomplishment, however, was more important to him than supporting the activities of his children and grandchildren. Joe spent much of his time watching various sports and music events. Whether it was gymnastics, band, basketball, soccer, or baseball, he was always there as a fan.

Joe's last twenty years were spent in his home at Spencer Lake, a longtime family property. He loved being on the water and cherished fishing excursions, especially to Alaska. If not on the water, he was enjoying the view, whether it was from the deck at his home or from a lanai in Hawaii. Nothing was better to him than an excursion to the ocean to dig clams, a required yearly family activity.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Kristine (Don); son, David (Angie); grandsons Alex (Cierra) and Ethan; granddaughters Katie and Maddie; great-granddaughter, Leighton Jo; brother, John (Kaye); and numerous nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made to a cause near and dear to his heart, Global Refuge, an immigrant and refugee agency, or a charity near and dear to your heart.