Kerry Snead

Obituary

It was a warm, sunny harvest day on October 2, 1952 when Kerry Blaine was born at Vita hospital to Norman and Tillie Snead of Woodmore. He was the only son and grandson from the Snead family which meant that without siblings around, it was left to his mother Tillie to play and throw the ball around the yard. Kerry quickly learned that through his mother he had a vast extended family, enjoying spending time with his many Pott family cousins. Hanging out with cousin Wayne was a favourite past time and the antics they got up to included everything from lazy days by the creek to getting sprayed by skunks. The pair shared a special bond that has never faltered over the years.

Kerry was the apple of his grandparents eye. His time spent with them was always full of treats, be it going for horse rides; watching their tv; getting to ride the tractor, and having homemade french fries waiting for him when he came through the door after school. Ward Cousins loved to come and visit as there were always lots of places to explore and play hide-n-go seek.

His school days started at Greenridge when Kerry was just about 7, as his mother had thought he was too young to attend earlier. Kerry was a wonderful student, always placing first or second and winning the local W.I. prize money. That changed when he entered high school as he spent more time enjoying the social aspects of the educational system. Much of his free time was spent rippin’ around in his grandfathers old green ford car. Wintertime landed Kerry in the ditch so often that his car earned the nickname “Ditch Digger”.

Kerry carried love notes from one of his friends to Susan but soon he wrote his own love notes to her, and reserved the back seat of the high school bus for the two of them. Being high school sweethearts they have shared nearly 47 years together, 42 of them married. What a union that was! Kerry supplied grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins while Susan had lots of sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. Kerry was always interested in the Gretschman crazy family celebrations and helping out on family projects.

Being a farm kid, school sports were limited to one sport per year. Volleyball happened to come first and he excelled at it. Another fond memory is of a high school reunion, after a great night of drinking and partying, where his team took on the younger boys, ending with his friend Ernie drove him home stretched out in the truck box, exhausted, but a winner!

4-H Club interested Kerry, raising many calves to take to the Morris Fair to be judged. Once a cow got away from Dad and ran down to the river. We were told Dad had never heard Grandpa curse so much in his whole life. He loved riding and most holidays included booking a ride, even in Cuba where his legs were as long as the horses. Kerry was never happier than when he was seeing horses and cows in the country side. Susan quickly got tired of taking their pictures for him. Last year on the way to Phoenix they had to stop in the north west corner of Texas where it was the biggest feedlot of cows he had ever seen. Definitely worth a few photo’s. That western way of life was a passion for Kerry. Family time was often spent watching “The Man From Snowy River” numerous times.

After high school, Kerry was hired on at MTS. He often said it was the best job he ever had. He loved being a Cableman, travelling all over Manitoba enjoyed his northern stints and was always learning new skills. Finally he was moved to Steinbach, eventually advancing to District Service Manager. Kerry treated his employees with respect and kindness, always going to bat for them. He always said the best MTS employees worked in Eastern Region. The past two weeks, as they lined up outside of his hospital room, they called him “Boss” even though he hadn’t been their boss in 12 years. Retiring at the age of 53, due to his mom’s illness, making it a heart wrenching decision but allowing him to spend the final six months of her life caring for her.

At the age of 30 Kerry got his dream job. Fatherhood. Blake Andrew was born, put in Kerry’s arms and off they went to the nursery leaving Susan behind. That eagerness to be a father served him well as he never shied away from any duties such as changing diapers, bathing, feeding and cleaning up messes. Soon the family welcomed their first girl in four generations – Brittney Anne. Once again, Kerry grabbed Britt and headed to the nursery leaving Susan behind. No matter the task he loved being a father.

Kerry enjoyed being involved in any sport his kids participated in or getting them involved in any project he was working on. Whether it was coaching or just being their biggest fan people knew that he would always be there cheering them on. Giving them his time was his favourite way to spoil his kids. When Gregg joined the family Kerry warmly welcomed him and they enjoyed countless afternoon coffees, time spent fishing and working together on so many jobs.
One of the greatest joys of Kerry’s life came with the birth of his grandson Logan. The two of them developed an instant bond and enjoyed so many tractor and Ranger rides, driving the pontoon boat together, swings at the park but quiet time with grandpa reading to him was Logan’s favourite.

Married life started for Kerry and Susan by purchasing a home on Coral Crescent in Steinbach. Spending 38 years on the same street led to life long friendships, cribbage and card games, enjoying many fun pranks, celebrations, heartaches and a sense of community.

Kerry and Susan enjoyed the social aspect of curling, as well as the challenge of bonspiels. Coaching his kids sports would replace curling, especially baseball, as he had played hardball for many years. At one point Kerry patiently coached six consecutive years of T-Ball. Later he would find a passion for golf, often spending time on the course with his best buddy Lloyd Steg. The number of hours spent on the course versus the number of hours spent in the bush looking for balls is debatable, but most days they came home with more than they lost. Kerry & Susan are avid NFL NE Patriot fans a bond that they share with Adam, a Seattle Seahawks fan, whom they treated as a second son.

Being raised by community minded parents, Kerry became involved with the Kinsman organization. He loved the service and social activities. Blake entered the Scouting world, Kerry went along as a active leader where they shared many enjoyable camping excursions & activities. Actively involved in the Steinbach Legion, he delivered Meals on Wheels, Christmas hampers, enjoyed being on many Baseball, Hockey and Ringette Executives, member of the Steinbach EOC committee, plus finding time last summer to volunteer at the Manitoba Summer Games.

Kerry’s happy place was the cottage at Sunset Bay. Spending countless hours taking kids tubing, water skiing, pontoon rides and fishing filled his life to the fullest. Being the gracious host, many family and friends have been royally welcomed and enjoyed. Always having a project on the go made him the happiest as he did all the major renovations, being self taught, showing excellent craftsmanship.

Travels over the years included many trips to western Canada to visit family, Disney World, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican and Jamaica. He loved going on excursions into the countryside to see the local people. Often hiring a driver for the day, exploring the sites and being invited into their homes for a visit topped the list. Once Susan retired, they did long winter car trips down to Florida, Texas and Arizona, enjoying many places along the way.

Diagnosed with cancer in the late spring of 2017, Kerry approached his treatments with the same determination and courage that had marked so many other moments of his life. In between bouts of radiation and chemotherapy Kerry still found time to enjoy cottage life and make final and lasting memories with his family. Quietly, as was his way, he passed peacefully from this life on October 25th leaving us all saddened by his loss but grateful for the time we had with him.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with a reception to follow at the chapel. Pastor Stan Hamm will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kerry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to South East Helping Hands 525 Main St, Steinbach, MB, R5G 0L5 or ROC – Eastman, Box 5282, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1L5

Condolences may be made at birchwoodfuneralchapel.mb.ca

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, family, friends and neighbors who helped us along this difficult journey.

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