Wayne Paul Snoozy was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, January 13, 1938. In order to understand the life of a man, one needs to understand the place from which he came. The windswept plains of the Dakotas make one realize the insignificance of man, and the awe-inspiring beauty of God. They also make people appreciate all those who made lives for themselves in vast openness, exquisiteness, and harshness of the plains. Wayne grew up in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, parents, and siblings, and all the joys and heartache that are inherent in a large family. His deep, abiding faith, and his ability to see goodness in everyone, were derived from the extended clan of Dorothy Ginsbach, his mother, and Ralph “Jim” Snoozy, his father, and the tiny town with the wide streets: Belle Fourche.
Wayne joined the Marine Corp after graduating from High School in 1956. He served for two years at Twenty Nine Palms in Southern California. While in the Marines, Wayne was exposed to radiation during the testing of atomic bombs. On his return to South Dakota, he became very seriously ill . The effects of the exposure stayed with him for the rest of his life, and led to his untimely death.
He attended college at South Dakota State, majoring in chemistry, and from 1959 to 1962 went back to Black Hills Teacher College, where he received his Bachelors in Education. To help pay his way through college, he worked for American Collite Company as a chemist.
On August 23, 1961, he married the love of his life: Sharon Lyons. By 1963, after the birth of their first daughter, they decided to move to Klamath Falls and teach school for the Klamath County School District. Their are some people who find their niche in life, and live it. Wayne found his passion in education. He truly felt blessed to be able to teach, coach, and live with the people of Klamath County.
Wayne’s first job was in Bly, Oregon, where he became a teacher and coach. He was named “Coach Who Did the Most With the Least:, because the team only had seven players. Wayne went on to teach and coach at Chiloquin High School, and taught at Altamont Elementary School. He remained at the job for over 30 years.
The organizations Wayne took a personal interest in were those which helped the kids of Klamath Falls and the American Cancer Society. The Sagebrush Rendezvous, and art show that had its beginnings over a drink of coffee with friends, became Wayne’s chief charitable contribution to the community. By holding the art show for thirty years, he not only raised over one million dollars for the community, but also provided a venue to artists throughout Klamath County and throughout the United States. In 1987 he received the Favell Museum Western Heritage Award, along with Bev Doolittle, in recognition of his contribution to the Arts. He thrived when he knew he was raising money for The Special Olympics, the kids and teachers at Altamont, and the American Cancer Society. He had a core of very exceptional friends and family who helped him with the Rendezvous. He also helped support the Friends of Klamath Falls, an organization which helps the Youth of Klamath Falls. Wayne was a tireless advocate for children. In 1977, the Superintendent of Education in Oregon appointed him to the Child Development Specialist Advisory Committee. His testimony to the Oregon House and Senate in 1991 became instrumental in starting the Breakfast Program for the children of Oregon. For all his hard work and dedication, he received the National Principal Award, and in 1990 traveled to Washingto0n D.C. for a reception at the White House with all of the honorees. In 2017, he was honored to receive the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award.
Klamath Falls was a great place to raise a family, and one reason Wayne and Sharon chose it to start their teaching careers. Dad and mom had five children, and mere words cannot convey the love and laughter that filled our house almost every day of our lives. Our dad loved us, and his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He was always laughing and making jokes. He taught us to never take life too seriously; to have fun, to help others, and to work hard. He extended his philosophy of life not by words, but by actions.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Kathleen; two brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon; his daughter Kathleen (Dave) and four children; his son Shawn (Jennifer) and their seven children; his daughter DeeDee (Charlie) and their four daughters; his son Dennis, and his three children, and his daughter Mary (Brian) and their son. He was blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces, and their children. He also is survived by his remaining brothers, Chuck (Julie), Mike (Barb) and Eldon.
Holy Rosary will take place on Friday, July 22, at10:30 am , with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Klamath Falls. A reception will follow immediately, with burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Children, or to Catholic Charity.
Published by Herald And News on Jul. 19, 2022.
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