Lucas James Snyder

Our Papa, My Brother, Our Son

Lucas James Snyder 52, Born February 21, 1972, in Port Townsend passed away on March 2, 2024. Luke is survived by his parents Bill and Laura Snyder, brother Scott Snyder, two daughters Julianne and Adeline and their mom Veronica Cortez, nieces Kiersten Snyder, Cailey Takamori, Brendan and nephew Jared Snyder, Kathleen & children Lily and Elliot.

He graduated from Chimacum High School in 1990 and went to Tacoma Community College his first year, then transferred to Western Washington University and graduated with a degree in automotive technology in 1994. He did internship training at Paccar Technical Center and started working there.

In his last year of college he decided to become a teacher. His first teaching job was at Bellevue High school. Then he changed plans again and off he went in Big Blue- his Ford pickup with a twin mattress in the back to Minnesota State University and received a master's degree in manufacturing engineering at Mankato. Coming back from Minnesota he had no money so ventured out again and took a job at St George Island, Bering Sea, Alaska working for Kelly Ryan Inc. as a mechanic. It was hard to find mechanics to go to St. George and even though he was not trained in heavy equipment he had no trouble adapting.

He returned with a pocket full of money and then decided to teach again. His passion was to make a difference in every student's life. He worked at Port Townsend and Chimacum 1/2 days, Woodland School District, Kelso H.S., then West Sound Technology in Bremerton.

The love for family was in his heart. He was always taking care of us making sure in every detail that we were ok. His Great Grandpa Bishop was one of the 13 children who lived on the Egg & I and Luke would often mention it. he adored his Grandparents Jiggs and Eileen Lopeman who spent time with all their grandchildren trout fishing at the lakes nearby at a very young age. Luke and his brother washed log trucks and vehicles for many businesses including their dad starting at a young age.

He bought his own dirt bike and truck when he was able to drive. He enjoyed working in the woods with his brother and dad delivering firewood and working in dad's shop. He loved his two little girls Julianne and Adeline planning every day for when they arrived and spending quality time with them when they were here. They took their first road trip last summer to Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho. Can you imagine Luke and his two little girls- 5 & 7- on an 800-mile road trip? They had a great time but had to cut it short because of the wildfires, taking back roads to get out of the smoke.

He took them to Grey Wolf Lodge several times and ventured to Seattle to the Space Needle with the girls & grandma. We had many dinners at the beach, family picnics, birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmas, and Easters together.

We will miss him every day.

Memorial celebration will be held April 13 at Greenwood Cemetery at 12:30 and Port Townsend Elks Club at 2:00.