Gary L Snider

Gary L. Snider of Corte Madera, CA died at his home on Friday, March 24th. He passed away in the presence of his family after a long, challenging illness. Gary was born and raised in the ranching community of Modoc County in Northeast California. It was here that he developed his strong work ethic and first became a leader both in the classroom and in various athletic endeavors. Gary went on to attend Oregon State University and later transferred to UC Davis where he earned both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. Gary met his wife Barbara at UC Davis. Gary served proudly in as an officer in the US Army for three years active duty from 1967 to 1969.with one tour in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service in combat. After completing his service, Gary embarked on successful professional career that began with the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI before moving back to his home state to lead Business Development for the state of California under then Governor Reagan. Gary moved back into the private sector to lead strategic planning and marketing for Simpson Paper Co and, later, Mohawk Paper Co in Albany, NY. Along the way, Gary and Barbara fulfilled a lifelong passion by developing successful vineyards in the Northern California wine country. They purchased and developed their first property in Knights Valley, Sonoma County in 1988 and later developed a high elevation vineyard in the Red Hills, Lake County in the early 2000’s. They grew and sold grapes to many acclaimed wineries for many years and even bottled several vintages of their own wine under their Fortress Vineyard label. Gary was known for being kind and caring, and balancing work with having great fun in life. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak people listened. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Gary is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Tim, daughter-in-law Ashley and their three children, Spencer, Greer and Henry and his daughter Kate Cary, son-in-law Stephen and their daughter Abby. Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to By the Bay Health Hospice Care, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939 or The PADRECC Center, at the San Francisco VA Medical Center: SFVAHC, Mailstop 127P, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121.

Tributes

Gary L Snider

June 14, 1944 - March 24, 2023