Snyder, Dennis Sydney 

Snyder,Dennis Sydney 

Snyder was born September 25, 1934, in Calgary to parents Emerson Snyder and Ruth Nicholls. He treasured the many formative experiences he had growing up as a child and teenager on the family farm at Delacour, east of Calgary. He shared those experiences with his parents, older brother Eugene, younger brother Dale, and younger sister Delores (Dolly).

Dennis passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024, at Three Hills Heath Centre, and finally entered his heavenly Dennis Sydney home where he had desired to go for so long! Dennis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour when he was 13 years old in the back of his dad’s old DeSoto automobile. His strong faith in Christ was his rock and helped him navigate the troubled waters of life and the trials that came his way. He trusted God’s promise completely and cherished every bit of scripture, committing much of God’s holy word to memory.

Dennis had many occupations over the years, with 2 of the more notable ones being Elevator Attendant/Grain Buyer for the Alberta Wheat Pool and Site Attendant for the Rosebud Waste Transfer Facility. Others included Landscaper/Gardener, Truck Driver, Apprentice Mechanic, CNR Railway Worker, Youth Worker, Camp Counselor, Farm/Ranch Hand, and Oilfield Roughneck.

Dennis married Rachel Elizabeth Collins of England, UK in 1972. Daughter Onawa was born in 1973 and then sons Nathan and Wyckley in 1976 and 1978. He moved his young family to Redland, AB in 1980 and spent most of the last 44 years in the Rosebud area. Dennis was greatly blessed by his amazing wife Rachel until her passing in 2003 due to illness. Dennis moved to the Linden, AB area to be close to family due to his deteriorating health and resided there for the past 2 years.

Dennis had many interests throughout his life. First and foremost was his love for God and finding likeminded believers and churches to attend. He attended churches in Calgary, Rosebud, Linden, and Camrose to name a few and most recently the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Calgary. 

He took pride in the accomplishments and endeavors of his children. Dennis loved gardening and took pride in growing beautiful flowers and providing fresh, healthy food for his family. He loved Scrabble and crafting and could often be found creating unique crafts with Scrabble pieces, random pictures, some glue, and his scissors or knife. Dennis loved big game hunting in his younger years and loved all the beauty to be seen in God’s creation.

Dennis was predeceased by his dad Emerson Snyder, mom Ruth Snyder (Nicholls), and siblings Euguene Snyder, Dale Snyder, and Delores (Dolly) Bender. He was also predeceased by his wife Rachel Elizabeth Collins.

Dennis leaves behind to mourn and celebrate his life: 3 children, Onawa (Travis) Hogan, Nathan (Melanie) Snyder, and Wyckley (Nira) Snyder; 10 grandchildren, Alexis Hogan, Kailey Hogan, Kaisha Snyder, Yireh Snyder, Shemuel Snyder, Tiana Young, Micah Young, Ella Snyder, Leah Snyder, and Tristan Snyder; many relatives from the extended Snyder and Nicholls families; countless friends and acquaintances; and many relatives in England from the extended Collins family (Rachel’s family).

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff at Three Hills Health Centre who provided wonderful compassionate care for Dennis over the past 10 months.