June 27, 1924 – December 18, 2021

Leland Ross Snider, long time resident of Bezanson Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital on December 18, 2021 at the age of 97 years, with family by his side.

Leland was born into the family of Roy and Ethel Snider with twelve siblings, on the family farm in Carlea, Saskatchewan, on June 27,1924. As a young boy he learned the value of hard work, and he also developed a strength and tenacity that served him well throughout his life. He accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour, and upon completion of his education at Carlea school, he attended Two Rivers Bible Institute. It was there that he met his future bride, Marjorie. After graduation from Bible School, Leland and Marjorie were engaged and joined the Sudan Interior Mission, which stationed them in Nigeria, West Africa. They were married December 19,1951, and a little over a year later, their first son, Keith, was born. After returning to Canada in 1955, they eventually bought a farm in Bezanson, and settled down to raise their growing family of four children. While Leland farmed full time, Marjorie taught school, and they were actively involved in the community. Lifelong friendships were formed, when they helped establish the Bezanson Community church and it was an integral part of their years in Bezanson. They loved spending time with family and friends, and a Sunday dinner without company was rare. Leland was passionate about his faith in God and enjoyed sharing and serving. Through the years, he had a long history of service with the Peace River Bible Institute and with Bear Lake Bible Camp. After their children left home, Leland and Marjorie cooked for several winters in various oil rig camps in Northern Alberta. The workdays were long and hard, but they enjoyed this time together as they worked towards retirement. They continued living in Bezanson, and enjoyed their retirement, visiting grandkids, gardening, and traveling to various places to spend time with family and friends. After Marjorie passed away in 2010, Leland eventually moved to Osoyoos, B.C. During his time there, he volunteered time at the Gleaners, which he enjoyed immensely. He also met Karen Willard Cyre, and on Sept 5, 2015, they were married.

Leland is survived by his wife Karen Snider, his sister Blanche Hitchcock, and his brother Dean (Lillian) Snider, Children, Keith (Ruth) Snider, Shirley (Bernie) Ewert, Jeanette (Darren) Driedger, Grandchildren, Lane (Kerrie) Snider, Marty (Allie) Snider, Jeff (Danielle) Snider, Steve (Christy) Ewert, Lorne (Robyn) Ewert, Joey (Chantelle) Ewert, Patrick (Cindy) Ewert, Kyle (Laurella) Driedger, Dane Driedger, Jordan Driedger Great-grandchildren, William, Lydia, Cameron, Esther, Ella, Haylee, Judah, Ava, Ruben, Elena, Mackenzie, Katie, Arianne, Malachi, Eden, Canaan, Naarah, Axton, Reeve, Thatcher, Tripp, Brynnlee and Amelia.

Leland was predeceased, by his wife Marjorie Snider, son Curt Snider, parents Roy and Ethel Snider, and ten siblings.

We extend our thanks to the wonderful medical team, and especially to the nurses in Unit 12, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. We sincerely appreciate their kindness and excellent care for Dad.

A celebration of life will be held by invitation only, and burial will take place at the City of Grande Prairie Cemetery.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bearcreekfuneral.com

• Date : 2021-12-18
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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