By Brenda Cannon Henley
On Saturday, March 3, friends of Ed Snyder came together in the beautiful new Galveston County/High Island Independent School District Hurricane Recovery Center to honor a man that greatly affected the people of the Bolivar Peninsula as well as countless others. Ed had long entertained folks all over Texas and other states with his outdoor and wildlife writing as well as his masterful photography. Morning sunrises and evening sunsets, along with rare photographs of fish, shorebirds, deer, and animals great and small, made Ed’s work ever popular with people of all ages. For many, hindered by distance and illness, Ed’s camera provided the only view these good people had.

Friends of Ed Snyder came together to honor a man that greatly affected the people of the Bolivar Peninsula as well as countless others.

He delighted his audience with stories of Casper, his rescue cat, and his Cajun humor, which he shared with his audience. His Sunday morning prayers were legend and the photo he captured of the cross in the surf at the High Island curve became a most requested item. He took that sunrise photograph on Easter Sunday morning.

Ed was proud of his Texas heritage and revered the history of our state. He was a US Marine having served in active duty from 1960 – 1964, and later in the Marine Reserves. He respected the Corps and his fellow service personnel and was extremely patriotic.

Ed entertained folks all over with his outdoor and wildlife writing as well as his masterful photography.

He won many awards in the field of journalism and photography and was active in press clubs and associations until his most recent illnesses. Ed is also known for opening the Walter Umphrey Pavilion on Lake Sam Rayburn and for managing it for over six years. Ed organized and covered many fishing tournaments, including the Bassmasters. He was also instrumental in helping to get women’s fishing tournaments on the map and respected as contenders.

Three young US Marines opened the ceremony on Saturday with the somber folding and presentation of the United States flag. Taps was played in his honor and there was not a dry eye in the room. Paul Vick, outstanding soloist, sang The Anchor Holds and led the congregation in singing Amazing Grace and Shall We Gather at the River, two of Ed’s favorites. Paul also sang a Cajun tune that Ed liked among other songs.

US Marines opened the ceremony with the somber folding and presentation of the United States flag; and Paul Vick, outstanding soloist, led the congregation in singing.

Several of Ed’s close personal friends and associates gave short eulogies about portions of his life after Travis Grubbs, Superintendent of High Island ISD and Principal of the schools, welcomed the guests. The hospitality and kindness extended to everyone attending made the day joyful. Linda Lind Diaz, Ted Vega, Charles O’Neal, Nancy Bachman, Rick Talley, and Sharon Duke brought delightful humor and warm regards to their friend’s memory.

We were pleased to present 13 guests with a beautiful 16 x 20″ matted photograph of some of Ed’s finest work. These winners had to discover a small cat sticker on their program. After the service concluded in High Island, the symbolic scattering of ashes was held in the Gulf at the exact point where Pastor Jerry Valentine had baptized Ed some years ago. This was Ed’s request and it was honored.

Cookies made for the day by Two Danish Cookies.

The guests then gathered at Ed’s beloved Rollover Pass for food and fellowship. One precious couple, Arlie and Linda Stogner of Wichita Falls, had driven 474 miles to celebrate their friend.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781 8788, or
[email protected].

[3-12-2018]