William C. Snyder

William Charles Snyder was born on August 17, 1987, in Gaylord, MI. He passed away while skiing Hatcher Pass in Alaska on April 21, 2023. He was 35 years old.

Will lived life to the fullest. He was an avid skier, hockey player, golfer, and best friend to everyone. He traveled the world to hike, ski, and seek adventure.

Will grew up in Gaylord, Michigan where he developed his love of the outdoors. He learned to ski at Otsego Club and Resort and eventually held his first ski school position on those very slopes. He played hockey through OCHA and then on the Gaylord Blue Devils High School team with his brother. In the summers, he worked as bag staff at the golf course and spent time in South Carolina golfing with his dad. His work ethic was strong from an early age and a credit to his time spent in Sparr, MI. Throughout his childhood, he played hockey and other sports. In 2006, Will graduated from Gaylord High School and set off to Michigan State University.

After graduating from MSU, Will spent time in South Carolina where he earned his boat captain license and served as a tour guide at Tidal Wave Water Sports. In 2014, he moved to Aspen, CO, and joined the Aspen Snowmass Ski School beginning with the Under 6 program and recently working on the private lessons team. He was a Certified Level III ski instructor and had recently completed his Professional Ski Instructors of America Rocky Mountain Trainer certification. Never idle, Will worked at Mi Chola greeting and networking with locals and tourists. Will was a prominent member of the Aspen hockey community and one could always find him on the hockey rink in pink with his team the Skullbeards or refereeing/coaching an Aspen Junior Hockey game.

Will loved everyone, but especially his family. An irreplaceable role model for his nephews and cousins, he cheered them on in their sporting events and encouraged their love of skiing and hockey.

William is survived by his mother, Carol Nelson-Snyder; siblings, Shannon Snyder, Patrick (Laura) Nelson, and Jennifer (Darren) Littell; step-mom, Lisa Snyder; step-sisters, Michelle McKenzie and Danielle McClure; grandmother, Patricia Nelson; aunts and uncles, Susan Nelson, David Nelson, Kelly (Kenny) Steinthal, Elizabeth (Philip) Tobias, and Ann Ostrowski; nieces, nephews, and cousins, Dillon Snyder, Watson Littell, Hogan Tobias, Jack Tobias, Thaddeus Ostrowski, Rob Ostrowski, and many other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Snyder; grandparents, H. Charles Nelson, William Snyder, and Fern Snyder.

A memorial service will take place in Aspen, CO, on Thursday, April 27, 2023. It will begin with a Remembrance Service at Home Team at The Inn at Aspen from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at Mi Chola beginning at 6: 00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, Michigan at 10:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Visitation will also be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations be made to support William’s nephew, Dillon Snyder’s future enrichment and education, or to support Aspen Junior Hockey, by visiting the bolded links provided.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548 Gaylord, MI 49734.