Obituary of Eric Cecil Snowden

Eric Cecil Snowden
1945-2024

It is with heavy heart that the family of Eric Snowden announces his passing. He slipped away peacefully on Friday, May 10^th at the age of 78 years. He lived a full life and was a fighter right to the end. He taught his children many values that they now possess and did so with a kind heart. He will be forever missed by so many including his family and friends. His grandkids will miss his warm touch and his cheers from the stands.

Eric was born on August 4, 1945, in Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan to Cecil and Elsie Snowden. He started life on his parent’s farm at Deer Creek, Saskatchewan, next to his grandparent’s homestead, which was granted in 1915. He started school at the single-classroom River Junction School where his mom and Aunt Violet once taught. In 1952, the farm got hailed out, so his parents sold and moved into Lloydminster where Eric spent his formative years. One of Eric’s closest friends grew up on a farm and Eric spent much of his time tending to his friend’s horse. This love of horses stayed with him throughout his life as he raised standardbred horses, which won their share of races.

Eric left high school prior to graduation but returned in Edmonton a few years later to finish grade 12 and later enrolled at the University of Alberta. This is when he met his loving wife of 53 years, Frances McParland. Soon after their marriage, Eric took a job with Rempel Trail in Saskatoon, managing the branch office there. Eric’s four sons Sean, Stacy, Shamus, and Patrick were born in Saskatoon between 1972 and 1981.  Corporate mergers and other circumstances shut down the trucking operation, so Eric and his family decided to reset and move to the pleasant community of Stettler, Alberta in 1981. Here, Eric captured his dream job as a grain agent for the Parrish and Heimbecker elevator until 2003.

Eric’s passing was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Elsie Snowden, brother-in-law and a best friend Gerry Stephenson, his sister Gwen Stephenson, his brother Bob, and his niece Shelley Stephenson. He is survived by his loving wife Fran, his brother Harry (Evanne), his sister-in-law Marj, his sons Sean (Laurie), Stacy (Toni), Shamus (Keri), and Patrick, and grandchildren Graydie, Raymi, Aisha, Sanei, Gemma, Aidan, Xavier, Shaylea, and Mikhail.

Eric loved his family and was always so proud of them. He loved life in the community of Stettler where he made so many friends through his work at the grain elevator and his love of playing cards and shooting pool. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by everyone.

A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at the Stettler Funeral Home in Stettler, Alberta on Friday June 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.