Theodore SNELL

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SNELL: April 22, 1920 – July 24, 2011. Theodore “Ted” Sidney Snell was born on April 22, 1920 in Winnipeg to Percy and Phyllis Snell (nee Head-Rapson). Ted was the third child born, brother Gilbert and sister Hilda were older, while Phyllis was his younger sister. The family moved to a farm near Monominto east of Winnipeg in 1925. Hardships resulted in the family relocating in 1929 to Rhodes Siding where they settled on the “vast and empty” prairie near Ninga. Another move in 1935 to the Saunder’s District meant family outings to Killarney and Rolla, ND. Growing up,Ted attended school at Sanders School when not helping his dad working hard on the land. It was at this time that Ted and his father Percy broke cattle for draft animals and tried a three wheeled Case tractor until they acquired more horses. At 21 years of age Ted joined his brother Gilbert in enlisting in the Canadian Military during WWII. He served his country from 1941 to 1945 in various parts of England. Once, while driving a Sherman Tank in a convoy to transport trucks he was being directed by a driver who was standing in the cab of his truck. Upon recognizing him, Ted beeped the siren and startled a surprised Perry Coder of Killarney. After the war, Ted was able to purchase his own farm (Edmund Lillew homestead) through the Veterans Land Act. He worked the land with horses and then a John Deere tractor. Ted was intent on establishing a prosperous and productive farm. The main entertainment was dances and card parties during this time. It was at a pie social that he met his wife – which resulted in over 60 years of marriage. On June 13, 1951 Ted married Verna Irene Sutton. Ted had four cows while Verna had one so they were in the milking business. The next year, they had five heifer calves, doubling the herd. Together they enjoyed farming and raised three children – Clarke, Robert and Colleen on Willow Farm. Ted was employed by Turtle Mountain School District as a custodian from 1971 – 1979. They sold the farm in 1975 but retained 40 acres and kept a few cattle until they eventually moved to Killarney in 1983. Ted was a proud member of the Killarney Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Each year he joined the November 11 Remembrance Day service to honour those with whom he had served. Ted suffered poor health, having heart trouble in 1983 and 1990. He never let his health problems bring him down but was determined to work through them. He lived a healthy lifestyle by walking daily and enjoyed the camaraderie of taking part in the senior games and his coffee crew. Ted enjoyed golfing when he first retired. He also enjoyed his yard and garden, and often had some project on the go in his workshop whether it was bird houses or just keeping things in good repair. Ted is predeceased by his brother Gilbert and sister Phyllis Beebe. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of sixty years Verna, his son Clarke and Gwen (nee Bullion), grandson Murray, granddaughter Elizabeth and Jason Vanstone and great grandson Aiden; son Robert; daughter Colleen and Gerald Renaud, granddaughter Jacqueline and grandson Eric. He also leaves to mourn his sister Hilda Scrutton, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. “We shall miss your great smile, outgoing attitude and chuckles.” Funeral service was held on Friday July 29, 2011 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Killarney, Manitoba. Killarney Funeral Home www.wheatlnd.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 13, 2011