[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E113-E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING OBIE SNIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Obie Snider, an 
extraordinary man who passed away on the night of December 18, 2003. 
After enlightening the lives of those around him for seventy-seven 
years, the memories of his generosity and genuine care for others have 
served to comfort those who knew him best, as well as the community 
which benefitted tremendously from his numerous contributions.
  As a pillar of strength within his community of Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Snider was a role model and leader who was admired 
for his loyalty to God, his family, and his comrades. With the help of 
his vision and guidance the East Freedom Chapel was founded, and it was 
under that roof that he became director of Young Life in the 1950s. Mr. 
Snider remained a devoted Christian throughout his life, and that piety 
translated into his every action. In addition to being a Sunday school 
teacher, he was the chairman of Truth and Praise, a publisher of 
hymnals, and the chairman of the Christian Workers Fellowship Fund of 
Kansas, among other things.
  After graduating from Replogle High School in 1943, Mr. Snider's 
experiences in college prepared him for the enriched life he would 
lead. Two years after marrying Mary Ann Gilbert on June 1, 1948, he 
graduated from Penn State University. Grounded by a strong marriage and 
a solid education, Mr. Snider established Singing Brook Farms and 
eventually became a trustee of his alma mater, a position that lasted 
21 years. His appointment to Trustee Chairman in 1985 marked the first 
time that an agriculturalist filled the role, and in the years 
following he was named a distinguished alumnus and received the status 
of trustee emeritus in July of 2000. Mr. Snider dedicated a large 
portion of his time to the improvement of the university and succeeded 
in administering numerous changes throughout the system. Without Obie 
Snider's influence and vision, Penn State University would not be the 
renowned institution of higher learning that it is today.

[[Page E114]]

  Mr. Snider's commitment to agriculture and education has proved to 
affect and benefit not only the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire 
nation. The numerous organizations and boards that he selflessly served 
were all positively changed by his presence, and they will undoubtedly 
miss his spirit and direction. Obie Snider has left behind a legacy of 
dignity and merit that will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________