Obituary of Henry Snow

SNOW, G. Henry Pictou It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our beloved father George Henry Snow, age 92, who passed away unexpectedly in the Aberdeen Hospital on December 27th. We will all miss him more than words can express. Born in Three Brooks, he lived most of his life in Pictou. He left school after Grade 9 to work in River John doing farm work and working in the woods. He tried to join the army when he was 17 by altering his birth certificate but was denied. In February of 1950 he was able to join and trained with the 1st Light Parachute Battery in Shilo, Manitoba. In March of 1952, he was sent to the Korean War with the 1st Regt, Royal Canadian Hose Artillery and also spent time with the Vandoos (Royal 22nd Regiment). He was awarded Mention-in-dispatches for twice repairing communication lines under shellfire. He returned home in June 1953, perhaps a bit earlier than expected, by joining the army band as a drum major, even though he didn’t know how to drum. He continued throughout his life always willing to try something new. He enrolled in Maritime Business College (’54) and then Success Business College (’54-55). While studying for these business courses, he married Doreen Langille in 1954. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert in 1955 and at that time he started work with GJ Hamilton & Sons Limited, biscuit factory. During the time of his work there, he studied for his Registered Industrial Accounting degree (’56-61). In the same month as his daughter, Mary Anne was born he received his RIA. He had a varied career throughout Pictou County, working for Ferguson’s Industries, D. Porter and Son and then landing at the Pictou Regional Vocation School teaching Business Administration until his retirement (’77-95). He held positions from office manager, sales supervisor, Comptroller, Director and Secretary Treasurer, Consultant on installation of computer systems and teacher. He also taught accounting at night school in the early years. Henry had many interests and talents. He enjoyed the outdoors and working in the woods, he was a talented gardener, with extensive knowledge of all plants and creatures that made their home in his gardens. Henry was always active and fit. He played baseball, hockey and studied Judo. He was an avid boxing fan and helped Art Hafey in his early training days. He enjoyed live theatre and for many years participated in the Rotary Club musicals in Pictou. Henry had a lifelong love of reading, especially enjoying western novels. He loved animals and cared for many dogs, cats and horses, a love he passed onto his children and grandchildren. Their beloved toy poodle, Molly was so well loved and cared for, which included Henry learning how to give insulin injections. The horse barn was transformed into a woodworking shop where Henry spent many hours crafting furniture pieces for family and friends, made with love and care, most of which bear his signature heart shape somewhere in the design. His most complex piece was a carved traditional full sized rocking horse for his granddaughter. Among his talents was water dousing and he was called upon many times to find the source and path of water. His skill was so good that he could determine how many feet to drill to get the water and how many gallons per minute it would produce. Henry volunteered throughout his life in many areas of his community. He was a member of parish council at St. James Anglican Church, he sat on the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital board when the hospital was being established. He coached minor hockey and always made sure that all players had equal time on the ice. He was a member of Crime Stoppers in Pictou County and enjoyed the times when he could meet up to give the tipsters their reward. He volunteered with Pictou County Search and Rescue and was especially skilled in using GPS. Most of all, Henry was a good and kind friend to all. He always did his best to give a helping hand to anyone who asked. He loved a good joke, sharing and listening to stories and especially meeting up with friends, old and new in his daily travels. The post office was always a good place to see friends and reminisce and hear a joke or two. He was a family man to the nth degree. He worked hard to provide for his family and was the example that we all aspire to. His children and grandchildren were the lucky recipients of his love and pride. Henry and Doreen worked together to provide a loving home to their family. They enjoyed travelling but their favourite place was always to be at home with the ones they loved. Henry cared for Doreen in her later years when she had mobility challenges and his heart was broken when he could no longer provide that care. Henry lived with, Robbie and Diane for the past two years and he was so appreciative of the extra special care and love that he received in their home. He made regular visits to Dartmouth to stay with Mary Anne and Michael. Staying together as family was very important to us all. Special mention to Gwen Langille for the personal care and friendship that she has provided over the last years. He is survived by his son, Robert (Diane); daughter, Mary Anne Earle (Michael); grandchildren, Heidi Snow (James), Colleen Earle, Martin Earle (Genevieve); great-granddaughter, Adalynn Jeffrey; brothers, David, John; sisters, Golden Snow, Eva Leslie; many nieces and nephews; and an abundance of very good friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Doreen (Langille); sister-in-law, Elaine Jay with whom he had a special friendship; parents, Henrietta (Foley) Leslie and Percy Snow; brothers, Earl, Vernon, Lorne; sisters, Jennie and Margaret. By request, there will be a private graveside burial. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Pictou Legion on January 13th from 12-3 pm. Family flowers only. Donations in Henry’s memory can be made to a charity of choice but most of all he would want us all to stop and smell the flowers and always be kind to each other.