Don Snyder obituary

Donald E Snyder was born on October 3, 1951 in Orland to Bob and Jessie Snyder. He passed on December 3, 2021 in Chico. Don is survived by his wife Jill and daughter Staci (Dave) Elkin and grandchildren Nathon, Hunter, Bailee, and Jessie Elkin. He is also survived by his sister Kristy (Mike) Hartman and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Bob and Jessie Snyder and sister Kathy Skala.

Don graduated from Orland High School in 1970 and was a standout football player at center wearing his #51.

He served in the Army from 1970 until 1973 with a tour in Vietnam. Returning home to Orland, Don started a trucking business hauling hay and cattle and eventually hauling milk from local dairies. He moved on from trucking to work at Johns Manville in Willows for nearly 20 years. In retirement, Don continued working with partner Ryan Smith cutting firewood, scrap metal cleanup, finishing concrete and various construction projects.

Don was a proud veteran and his gruff voice was overcome by his compassion for his relatives, friends and acquaintances. If he heard about someone in distress, Don was there to lend a hand.

Don was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers. He made the trek to Lambeau Field and as many games on the West coast as possible. Often on Sunday morning you could find Don watching the Pack at David Chavez aka "Big Dave" home!

Don's other passion was destruction derbies with his #51 car. His bucket list trip was in August when he traveled to Sydney Montana to watch his grandson Hunter Elkin drive the familiar #51 car in a huge regional destruction derby. Don was extremely proud.

A Memorial service and celebration of life for Don will be held in Orland in February. Everyone is encouraged to attend.