Michael Carleton Snyder Loved the Island's Beauty

Michael Carleton Snyder was killed in Charles Town, W.Va., in a work related accident on July 19. He was 28 years old. Born August 14, 1975 in Bethesda, Md., he was the son of David Carleton and Mary Delawder Snyder of Jefferson, Md.

He lived most of his life in Jefferson, Md. He was graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., and was planning on teaching this fall. He worked with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and enjoyed helping at-risk children.

Michael was a summer visitor to the Vineyard most of his life. He loved Felix Neck and named one of his cats Felix. Although many people would think the name was for the cartoon cat, Mike would take the opportunity to tell them about Martha's Vineyard and his cat's namesake.

A gifted artist, Mike loved the beauty of the Vineyard and would sketch and paint his favorite landscapes and beaches. He and his grandfather would spend hours at the Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven looking over the bookshelves for books to read while on the Island. They would keep the ones that they really liked and donate back the rest. He loved the Vineyard and talked about his next visit to his most favorite place in the world.

Besides his parents, he is survived by eight aunts and uncles, Sandra Wells and husband Skip of Hatteras Island, N.C., Jean Lohr and husband John of Broadway, V.A., Robert Delawder and wife Phyllis of Broadway, Randy Delawder and wife Candise of Linville, Va., Weldon Delawder and wife Susan of Broadway, Keith Delawder of Broadway, Bruce Delawder of Timberville, Va., and Ronald Delawder of Linville, and 14 cousins. He is also remembered by his Little Brother, Quamain Rozier of Frederick, Md.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Crawford and Mary Elizabeth Snyder and Garnet and Lefa Delawder.

A memorial service was held in Jefferson, Md., at at the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Guy Wenck officiating. Interment was private.