Throughout Dean Snyder’s fight with esophageal cancer he lived by a motto — “Strength and Honor.” It was line from his favorite movie, “Gladiator.” He even made it the mantra of his charity bike-riding event, Dean’s Ride, held in January, for the Plant City Family YMCA’s Livestrong program.
Mr. Snyder died peacefully Aug. 27, 2013, at his Walden Lake home. He was 58.
He forever will remain a pillar of strength and a model of honor in the Plant City community. Mr. Snyder was involved in a long list of civic clubs, financial boards and scouting programs.
“He was very strong in this community,” said Jim Chancey, who had known Snyder for eight years. “He was very involved — not only in his work and financial services but with scouting, the YMCA, food bank and even some civic clubs. He was a man to contend with.”
He served on the advisory board for the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center and the Arts Council of Plant City. He also served as president of the Plant City Lions Club and Toastmasters and was a chamber Leadership alum.
An Eagle Scout, Mr. Snyder’s passion was the Boy Scouts of America. He helped 27 boys reach the rank of Eagle Scout. His scouting career included positions as assistant cub master, assistant scout master, scout master, district chair of the Boy Scouts of America, district finance chair and vice president of operations.
He created the annual Friends of Scouting Dinner in 2003, to benefit Boy Scout troops in the Plant City area. The Friends of Scouting recognized him in 2009, as a Distinguished Citizen for his work. Two years later, the Boy Scouts of America presented him with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth.
Fellow Eagle Scout and neighbor George Banning knew Mr. Snyder since 1998. Banning recalls when their wives recruited them in to help with the Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park project as part of the Garden Club.
Mr. Snyder was an avid gardener, as well. The Snyders’ back yard borders the Bannings. They eventually came to share an area known as “Brittany Park,” named after the Bannings’ Shih Tzu.
“I couldn’t ask for a better neighbor,” Banning said. “Over the years, I think we did everything we could do together. We’ve just enjoyed each other’s company. He had a big heart, that’s for sure.”
Banning shared a ritual of friendship with Mr. Snyder. Every morning, they enjoyed coffee together, and every evening, they sat back in their gardens with a glass of wine.
Even with cancer, Mr. Snyder stayed involved in the community. For the Daybreak Rotary Club’s Country Cracker Feast, held annually at the Banning residence, Mr. Snyder helped set up the tents and tables. The party overlapped into his yard.
“He is going to be missed in this community,” Banning said. “He was just very involved and just a nice guy.”
Even after his diagnosis, Mr. Snyder remained active. He participated in Relay for Life and served on the YMCA board. He was the director of the Southeast Hillsborough Unit for the American Cancer Society and served as the annual gala chairman for two years.
Mr. Snyder also organized Dean’s Ride, a charity bike riding event for the Plant City Family YMCA’s Livestrong program for cancer survivors. He had his sixth chemotherapy session the day before the 18-mile route.
“There are scenes in (Gladiator in which) Russell Crowe tells his men, if they stick together, that the fight becomes easier,” Mr. Snyder told the Plant City Observer in January. “That’s how I feel about cancer.”
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ceresa Michele “Mikie” Snyder; sons, Adam Justin Snyder (Candice) and Michael Brandon Snyder; grandchildren, Brock Joseph Snyder and Gunner Gabriel Snyder; siblings, Mark, Bruce, Keith, Bonnie, Kent, Eric, Todd, Beth and Brett; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leon Snyder and Rosemary Hudgel Snyder; and brother, Michael Snyder Sheaks.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 C.R. 39 S., Plant City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at First United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N. Evers St. Private interment will be at Pelote Cemetery, Lithia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America c/o Gulf Ridge Council, 13228 N. Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33612.
Online condolences may be made to the family at hopewellfuneral.com.