Stewart 'Stewball' Bert Snyder

Stewart “Stewball” Bert Snyder, "Stew," 79, of Montrose, Colo., went to Heaven’s Gate on March 20, 2014, at Valley Manor Nursing Home in Montrose.

He was born Aug. 8, 1934, in Havre, Mont., to Bert and Alma “Pat” Snyder. He had a younger sister, Sharon, who he teased endlessly. He met the love of his life in seventh grade, and they were known as “Romeo and Juliet.” He married Juliet (Mary Richards) at 17 years old, had four children and lost one. They divorced several years later but remained good friends and participated in many family gatherings. Stew finished school through eighth grade and received his GED one week prior to their daughter’s high school graduation.

Stew was an open-pit coal miner working for Morrison-Knudson, Texas Gulf and FMC. His jobs took him to Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. His hobbies included leather craft, small engine repair, fly fishing, hunting, camping and traveling. He spent many hours in his shop, with the radio up, working on his leather projects. He never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend. Everywhere he went, he left a trail of friends who he loved and who loved him.

He is survived by daughter, Terry (Tom) Keenan of Fruita, Colo.; son, Kevin of Round Mountain, Nev.; and daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Harrington of Olathe, Colo.; granddaughters, Heather Merriett and Cassie Harrington; and grandson, David Harrington.

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Wade; sister, Sharon; and grandson, Justin Keenan.

A celebration of Stew’s life and spreading of his ashes will take place on Windy Point (Delta, Colo.) later this summer pending date notification.

The family of Stew would like to thank the Valley Manor Nursing Homes, Montrose Memorial Hospital, and the PACE Program’s staff and friends that cared for and loved our dad, grandfather and best friend.

“Until We Meet Again”