Jonathan E. Snider, 59

Jonathan “Jon” Ellis Snider, age 59, of Post Falls, Idaho, died in a tragic accident on Jan. 13, 2021. Jon was born on Feb. 8, 1961, to William Paul and Mary Ellen (Ellis) Snider in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

On Aug. 5, 1980, he married Beverly Ann Riggs, his beautiful, red-headed soulmate and the love of his life. Four years later, on Oct. 17, 1984, in Honolulu, Hawaii, they joyfully welcomed their son, Jonathon William into the world. Jon held his brand-new baby boy in his arms and from that moment on they were the very best of friends.

Jon had a happy and carefree childhood growing up in Coeur d’Alene. He was a Boy Scout and, at 8 years old, joined 34,000 other scouts at the famous 1969 Boy Scout Jamboree at Farragut State Park. The highlight of the Jamboree was receiving a message from Eagle Scout and astronaut, Neil Armstrong, during his historic voyage to the moon!

Jon grew up attending Bethel Baptist Church in Coeur d’Alene. That may have been the beginning of his love of music and performing. When he was 4 years old, he performed at a church service at Spokane’s Union Gospel Mission, where he boldly and clearly sang “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus” to the congregation of hungry men who were waiting patiently for their free supper. Although this was a moment of tremendous pride for his Dad, his older siblings found it hilarious and took pleasure in tormenting him about it for many years.

In his teens he grew his hair long, discovered spandex, learned piano and guitar, and started playing rock 'n' roll. He played and sang for years with various bands: Nasty Habit, Arrival and Nightshift. He played locally but also in other locations as far away as Hawaii and Alaska.

Jon learned early on about hard work. He rode his motorbike out to the fields of the local seed company where he changed sprinklers or helped burn the fields, coming home filthy and exhausted. He carried that work ethic into his adult life, learning carpentry and building beautiful homes around Coeur d’Alene Lake. Being an excellent craftsman, he also mentored many young men who worked alongside him.

While he appreciated the beauty of the lake view homes that he built, what he loved and appreciated much more was coming home to his cozy Post Falls home, a wood-burning stove, a sweet wife and eager dogs sitting by the window, watching and waiting for his pickup truck to pull into the driveway every evening.

Having played football in school, Jon grew up to become a die-hard Seahawks fan. The 2014 Superbowl win was God’s gift just for Jon. He celebrated mightily, and walked on air for a very long time. He even said that maybe he was being a bit silly, but to everyone else it was very obvious that he was helpless to contain his joy.

Jon was a genuine Idaho boy through and through. He loved the lakes, rivers and mountains. He became an avid fly fisherman and most weekends, the Snider family would be out camping, fishing, riding motorcycles and soaking up the beauty of the places they loved so much.

Those family members who Jon loved so well and are still living are his wife, Beverly and son, Jonathon; his older siblings, Rick Snider, Judi (Bob) Leno, Marilyn (Doug) Rank and Paula (Mike) Achenbach; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Renee Darby, Richard Riggs, Karen Craner, Jolee (Jon) Wiedmaier and Curtis (Irene) Riggs; and nieces and nephews, Justin Snider, Shawn and Tim Leno, Brock Stockton, Mary and Chris Cornwall, Michaela Findley, Michael Craner, Tony Riggs and Cole and Sierra Riggs. He also had many great-nieces and nephews.

The loved ones who left this world before him include his parents, Paul and Mary Snider; in-laws, Lois and Jerry Riggs; brother in-law, Dave Riggs; brother-in-law, Rick Cornwall and nephew, Andrew Riggs Wiedmaier.

Jon was a very kind and gentle man. He was honest, hard-working, funny and generous. He was devoted to his wife, son and his dogs. He dearly loved all of his family members and prayed for them every day. He was a man of gratitude, who appreciated his blessings and the simple pleasures of life, like a Sunday afternoon Seahawks game, a cold beer, a soak in the hot tub, or a nice, long weekend nap.

Although his family and friends are grieving deeply and missing his physical presence, they can find comfort by holding his memory close to the heart and knowing he is at home with his Savior, Jesus and he is celebrating his reunion with his precious loved ones who went before him.

A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at the Eagles Lodge, 209 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help Beverly and Jonathon with funeral expenses. Go to Gofundme.com and under search, type “Jon Snider.”

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Jon’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.