Gregory 'Greg' L. Snyder, 73

Gregory “Greg” Lee Snyder, 73, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023 at Kootenai Health Hospital. Greg had a full life. He was born May 9, 1949, in Flint, Mich., to Theodore Snyder, a General Motors Executive, and Norma (Mosier) Snyder, a homemaker. After his father was transferred to Southern California, Greg discovered the first love of his life: Football! At this Greg excelled, so much so, that he was an All-State Middle Linebacker in high school, caught the attention of both USC and UCLA, and was offered scholarships to play for both. Greg chose UCLA as USC told him they weren’t sure he would start for them, but they didn’t want to play against him. Greg was no benchwarmer — he enrolled at UCLA where he impressed his teammates to the point that they elected him, Captain. During his career, Greg had the opportunity to play with, and against, football legends: Gary Beban (1967 Heisman Trophy Winner), Dan Fouts, Jim Plunkett, Ron Yary, Sonny Sixkiller and, in his words, “chased after OJ Simpson … I just never got a good clean shot at him.” One other standout opponent was Larry Csonka — the only player he ever faced who would come through the line looking for someone to run over. Indeed, at half time, his coach, Tommy Prothro, admonished Snyder to “… stop trying to tackle him head on. I need you for the second half!” Perhaps Greg could have listened a little better as a brain aneurysm precluded his playing in the NFL after he was projected to be an early round draft pick. Greg continued his love of football as an assistant coach at Oregon State University, where he earned his MBA.

Greg went into the lumber business and became a broker. After stays in Denver, Tampa, Portland and Seattle, and finally, the Spokane area, he met the second love of his life, Diane Abts. After a whirlwind courtship, they married and spent a wonderful 30 years of partnership. Together they embarked on the establishment of two prominent and successful assisted care facilities, which Diane managed. After selling them, Greg turned his attention to home building and development. Once again, he succeeded. When the opportunity arose to purchase his own lumber business, Spokane Cedar, Greg pounced at the chance. Again, successful, Greg rebranded the business as Coeur d’Alene Cedar and operated it successfully until selling the business and retiring.

Greg was an avid and accomplished golfer who always enjoyed a round, and with Diane, could be found on their boat cruising Hayden Lake.

Greg is survived by his wife, Diane; brothers, Gary, Ron, and Ted; sister, Monica; stepchildren, Bill and Angie; four grandchildren; and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeff.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID, with a reception to follow at the Avondale Golf Club, 10745 N. Avondale Loop., Hayden Lake, ID. Please visit Greg’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.