Dennie Ray Snyder

Dennie Ray Snyder, affectionately also known to some as Baby, Jellybean, Daddy-O, MacGyver, and to some of his old buddies, Sniff, passed away at home with family by his side. He was born on March 12, 1965, to Marianne Stens and Ray Snyder in Salt Lake City, Utah. From that day on, the world became a better place. He robbed the cradle to marry the love of his life, Mary, and together they have two children: Trista and Drake. Dennie and Mary constantly focused on family and supported their kids’ hopes and dreams, while also fulfilling many of their own. 

Dennie was truly a people person with a genuine interest in learning. He could make friends with strangers while on a plane, standing in a line, and whenever in a hot tub. Well, if politics came up, maybe it was a little more like ‘frenemies’. Plus, he was a giant Raiders fan – so that only gets you so far with some people – but also, Raider-Nation is truly alive and well. 

He was a man of many talents – a patternmaker and foreman by trade – and he loved to create new pieces with a block of wood or whatever materials he had. There was never a project that he couldn’t find a way to fix. He was often called by his kids who hoped dad would know the answer and, unsurprisingly, it was usually the case – our very own ‘DadTube’. 

He loved fishing, hunting, and being outdoors – but mostly he loved the people he was with. He was playful and adventurous, so he naturally treasured traveling and new experiences, as well as preaching the value of “saving a buck” to anyone who would listen. He even had those strangers, turned fans within minutes, ask if they could “follow him on Facebook for more life tips” or take him on a cruise. Probably should’ve been a salesman. While he wasn’t a social media person, he quickly learned Facetime when his grandson was born and jumped at any chance to watch him grow and be a part of his life, near and far. The ocean and sunsets over water put him at peace; and wherever he would travel, he would say, “I love my backyard today.” Dennie would try any food, at least once – and because of that, he was the ‘lucky’ recipient of four bowls of Austrian ‘soup balls’ to save the rest of us. 

Dennie valued family and good friendships and would lend a helping hand whenever he had the opportunity. For the longest time, Dennie played basketball and softball with his league of ‘oldie, but goodie’ friends until an unfortunate work incident. He continued to be scrappy and embrace life with a grateful heart when he was feeling good, and even when he wasn’t. Above all, Dennie had immense love for his wife, children, grandchild, and family, and his presence will be deeply missed; though, we will still look for him in every sunset. 

Dennie is preceded in death by his dear mother, Marianne, and father, Ray, and stepmother, Kathy. He is survived by – His wife and best friend of 38 years: Mary. His two adoring children: Trista (Nate) and Drake. His grandson and best buddy: Maverick. His loving mother and father-in-law: Kathy and Rick. His special soul family: Curtis and Linda Jackson. His cuz, whom he took under his wing: Thomas. And also, his brother, Scott, step-siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. There are so many friendships and memories unmentioned, but you made an impact and were loved and appreciated. 

A big thank you to the Huntsman Cancer Center and the University of Utah medical staff. Michael, Dr. Tward, Dr. Brogan, and Jane went above and beyond as they demonstrated compassion and humor in trying times. To all men, please know you are a hero to those who love you, get your PSA checked regularly. 

Viewings will be held in his honor at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 6:00-8:30 p.m., and Friday, October 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., with a celebration of life services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Please bring stories to share to celebrate his life and love. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the family or to Zero Prostate Cancer Memorial Fund: https://support.zerocancer.org