It is with great sadness and sorrow that Diana and John Snowden announce the sudden passing of their son Samuel James Joel Snowden on May 22, 2019. At the time of his death Joel was working as a welder in Sorel-Tracy just north of Montreal. A lot was happening in his life recently; perhaps too much. He had just successfully completed a two-year course in Thunder Bay as an Aero-space Technologist and had also recently passed his certification as a Red Seal Welder. This welding certification had been a tough grueling accomplishment that made us so proud of him. In spite of this welding success, he was preparing to return to Thunder Bay in September to complete a third year at Confederation College, to become further qualified, a significant challenge since he was 35 and out of school for many years. Joel had faced a number of personal challenges in his life. He seemed to be overcoming these demons but who knows what forces cause a person to decide that death is preferable to life. Our faith is such that we trust and believe our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ when He said He would never leave us or forsake us, even till the end of time.
We have many fond and lasting memories of this wonderful fine baby; child; boy; man. Joel was smart, as indicated by his recent success; although only 5 ft 6 in he was an athlete skilled in basketball, baseball, track and field, hockey, soccer, and golf; his musical talents showed in guitars and drums; he loved the outdoors, especially riding his motorcycle. Joel was also an intellectual having many discussions on various topics both spiritual and secular. He had a soft, gentle and loving side to him as well as a sharp dry sense of humour
Joel will be sadly missed by his sister Candia Cope (George); her brother Jean-Andre; Grandparents, Rebecca and Sam Muzzi; all the many Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.
Visitation for Joel will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 from 6-8pm. Catholic Prayer will be held at 7:30pm during visitation.
Funeral mass will be held at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Huntsville on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 11 am.
Paul Sontrop
Memory 1: I took a photo of a very young Joel, together with his brother Jean and their Mom. It remains as one of my favorite photos. Something about the compelling way it turned out. Memory 2: Years later, I saw him on the track at a meet in Kincardine. Shorter than all others he was pitted against, he seemed to float effortlessly past them all. Memory 3: Family gathering decades later. He played guitar and sang skillfully. I was astounded at Joel’s range of talent, intellect and sharp wit. He was unique and immediately likable. John, Diana, Jean and Candi, please know that I join many others in lifting you all up in prayer. You son – your brother – left his mark before leaving much too soon.
Julia L Hunter
I had such a strange dream last night. We went to go find you. We were looking around a little at an unfamiliar house we hadn’t been to before. We were starting to leave when we saw you skateboarding slightly up the street and called out to you. You came to us and looked like you did when we were in our early 20s. You said not to worry because you are happy on the other side. Still love you and still miss you, Pups.
Thinking of the Snowden family xo
Bhargav Naik
May His Soul RIP, God Bless His Family
Steaver
Joel, we hadn’t been friends for a long time, but we will always be brothers. We spent a lot of years hanging out together, which made us both into the men we grew up to be. Our youthful years were full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it. You are missed by me, even if we hadn’t spoke for years, I still always thought of you as my brother and am at lose knowing you are no longer with us. Your memory will live on in all your friends hearts and minds, rest easy brother.
Damien Alvarez
I apologize for waiting this long to write this – I only found out the horrible news this past Monday, and have been too shocked and grief-struck to write anything.
Joel was a truly larger-than-life human who affected everybody he met. With his unique wit, charm, and grin, he could command attention from miles away. Nobody could bring life to a gathering the same way Joel could.
Everybody has a Joel story – a ridiculous, hilarious, charming Joel story. That’s just who he was. Despite him being absent from our lives in order to work on himself, we all kept him in our thoughts and our hearts. And even though he’s gone, we will always carry him in our hearts until the end of time.
There will never be another person like Joel. He was literally one of a kind.
Much love to Joel’s family during this horrible time.
Luc Blanchard
It had been a long time since I, or rather most of his friends in Calgary, had seen or heard from Joel. I knew he was looking to get his life in order and it really seems like he was on that good road.
I think all of us out west only just found out what had happened a couple couple of days ago, and it’s clear that he left a significant mark on many people.
My deep condolences to you and your family, I hope for peace for you all.
Quinn
Joel, I do and always have and always will love you. Always smiling, always seeing the good in a bad situation. Brilliant, fun, talented, and an all around good person. To the family I didn’t know , except of course Jean, my condolences to you all. I’m so sorry for your loss. Trevor and I are tipping one for you buddy.
Allyse
It is with a heavy heart I receive the news of an old friends passing. Joel was always sweet, smart and funny. He had made a lasting impression on all of us. Forever missing you Joelybear. My condolences to all missing this bright light.
Ben mklls
Joel and Jean always called me “little ben” because I was so much younger then them. They took care of me when I had none. He was only 5 years older than me, at this age it doesn’t seem like that much but when I was a kid the Snowden boys taught me to be a man in all the best ways. If jean sees this… my number is 403-827-4093. Please call me jean… you know you and your brother helped make me the man I am today! Please call me at any hour!
Judi Walter
Sorry….I meant John and Diana.
Helmut and judi walter
John and Diana and family….so sorry to hear about Joel’s passing. May the Lord bless you andcomfort you at this sad time. Many fond memories of hockey games and pizza party at your home in Hanover. He will be missed but memories cannot be taken away.
Angela Cannata (Ferri)
Deepest condolences. Joel was a spark of light and I will always have such joyful memories of him as we navigated our way through elementary school together. Thinking of you all during this time.
Claude & Suzanne Cardinal
Dear Dee & John,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. You will surely find solace in the thought that Joel is in a much happier place. Your pleasant memories will comfort you.
All our love,
Claude & Suzanne XXOO
Demi Chantziantoniou
I’m very sad to learn of Joel’s passing. I pray that you find courage and strength through this very difficult time. Sending prayers and positive thoughts.
Kathleen Lynch, President
Dear Diana, John and Family
On behalf of Confederation College please accept our sincere condolences. So sorry for your loss.
Doug and Sheila Long
Diana and John,
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family in the passing of Joel. As one of his many teachers, I remember him well especially in Grade 2 when we had the little healing service for him in our classroom to remove sores in his mouth from dental surgery. The Holy Spirit blessed him for sure. Although life is tough and pain is great, he is in a better place. God bless you and your family in this difficult time
Lacey
Dear Snowden Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You raised such an incredible person in Joel and I am so greatful to you that you did because he brought my life tremendous joy!
My world will never be the same without Joel in it. I have missed him for years and will now cherish the memories I had with him. He was my brother and I know we will meet again someday.
All my love I had for him I send you now in your time of grieving.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Jill Evans
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all in this difficult time…
Ann Hanrahan
Dee Dee,
So very very sad to hear such devastating news about the death of your son. Nothing could be worse than the death of a child.
I send love and a hug to you and your family.
From Ann Mulvihill, one of your General Hospital sisters
Mary-Anne Aarts
I am so sorry for your loss. Death is part of life but it came so soon for Joel. I remember Joel as a kid and he was full of character and energy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace as you reflect and treasure your memories together.
Alleigh Easton
Sincerest condolences from the Easton Family.
Helen martin
John and diana my deepest sympathy
Joel all way made me laugh he had such a sweet
Smile he will be missed
Helen martin
To jon and diana
My deepest sympathy
Odette & Gary
Although it has been many years since we have interacted with Joel, our memories of him are fond.
Please know that you are all very much in our thoughts.
Sending our love & prayers. May he rest in peace.
Odette & Gary
Pat Murphy Hanover
John and Dianne I have no words to express how you must feel with the loss of Joel. I do remember him quite vividly as a young man. He was very intelligent, full of energy and of course quite funny. I had fun with him the short time I spent with him. That is a superb picture of him. God bless you during this time of mourning.
Randy Vicki dickert
Our deepest sympathy
Elana Bachman (shulko)
Jean and family,
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to you all during this hard time. Joel was little, but mighty and although gone, never to be forgotten.
Much love to you all during this time.
Michelle (Andrews) schaefer
Jean and family,
I’m sorry to hear the passing of Joel, so many memories of Jean and Joel In high school, or down at the pool hall, or just hanging at someone’s house. Jean your in my thoughts
Krista Nagy
I am so sorry to hear about joel, I can still remember his and Jeans face like it was yesterday, they both were such a big part of my childhood, they were friends that i will always remember i know its been a long time but hoping youremember who i am, we spent so much time playing in your home and stealing wonderbars off your fridge. ( Jean let us lol). But his news has been hard to process , such a surreal feeling, it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Anyways,. Im sorry i wont be able to make the funeral as much as i want to be there , its just not possible for me, but hope you all to know how sorry i am and my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of grief. R.I.P to a dear old friend
Tracy Fizell
This is so tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with Joel’s family and friends during this most difficult time.
David Bowie
Dear Diana,
Although we have never met in person I feel as if I know you through our email correspondence. I will remember your son in my prayers and will think of your family as you process this new stage in your family’s life.
Moe &Louise tremblay
Dear DeeDee and John.Our deepest sympathies in these sad times.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.We will be thinking of you all in a very special way on thursday May 30th at 11:am.
Linda Grace Tobias
Diana & John,
Sincere Condolences on the loss of your Dear Son.
Bev and Craig Martin
Diana, John and Family. Our deepest condolences and our prayers are with you. Bev and Craig Martin
Sharon Chapman
Jean, Diana and John,
Please accept my sincere condolences. It’s been many years but some of my fondest memories in high school included both Joel and Jean. I’m shocked to hear that this has happened and pray for healing for you all.
Michael Telemaque
Sending condolences to the whole Snowden Family. I was fortunate enough to spend some of my formative years at boarding school in Ontario with Joel and Jean. Blessed to be able to say a knew him and honored to be able to call him an old friend. Joel , i feel i can speak for many from the ol’ GCC crew when i say you leave behind a legacy of light , love and laughter(so much laughter). For that i am forever grateful.
Sleep in peace lil bro.
Luv T – Mac
Julia
To the Snowden family,
My heart aches for the loss of Joel and words are not adequate in the circumstances. Joel was such a unique man. He taught me so much in life – how to face challenges courageously, what first love is like, how to foster true friendship, find laughter in times of hardship, and much much more. He was a talented man with limitless potential and despite his personal struggles, was truly charismatic and had a heart of pure gold. He touched every one around him in a special way. In sorrow, I send my deepest condolences and compassion. Joel, we love you and will never forget the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy.
Andrea
John and Dianne – I am so incredibly saddened by this news. Your son brought so much joy to my life, regardless of the demons he fought.
I always had the highest hopes for Joel and wished the best for him. Please know how much he has been missed from our lives and how devestated we are to have lost such a bright man. RIP Joel – we love you.
joanne and doug oke
Diana, John and family, so sorry for the loss of your son Joel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.