The Rev. Robert Snow, longtime missionary in the Dominican Republic, died on Oct. 2 at age 80. His funeral took place on Oct. 24 at Holy Trinity Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In announcing the death on Oct. 3, Bishop Moises Quezada Mota of the Diocese of the Dominican Republic said:
Le informo a toda nuestra iglesia que he recibido la triste noticia del fallecimiento anoche de nuestro querido Diácono Bob Snow, quien por mas de 10 años sirvió en nuestra iglesia, auspiciando el programa de Becas en nuestro Colegios, promoviendo el Diaconado permanente e incentivando el ministerio de Vivencia. También fue un asistente del Obispo Julio César Holguín en muchas áreas en la Diócesis. Todo este ministerio siempre junto a su esposa Helen. Damos gracias por ministerio y lo que hizo por nuestra iglesia. Consuelo para Helen y toda la familia. Que descanse en Paz y disfrute del gozo de estar en la presencia de Dios.
[I inform all our church that I have received the sad news of the passing last night of our beloved Deacon Bob Snow, who for more than 10 years served in our church, sponsoring the scholarship program in our colleges, promoting the permanent diaconate and encouraging the ministry of life. He was also an assistant to Bishop Julius Cesar Holguín in many areas in the diocese. This whole ministry always together with his wife Helen. We give thanks for ministry and what he has done for our church. Condolences to Helen and all the family. May you rest in Peace and enjoy the joy of being in the presence of God.]
Bob Snow was born on 4 January 1943 in Great Falls, Montana, to Gerald and Alice Snow. He graduated from Omaha Benson High School and attended the University of Nebraska, where he majored in journalism. While there he met Ellen Fay McKenzie, and they were married on in 1963. They had two daughters, Tracey Peterson, now of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Robbin Snow, now of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. In addition to numerous foster children, including Georgine Schizas and Shannon Goode, they have five grandchildren.
While at university, Bob was a student assistant at Nebraska Educational Television. Upon graduation he went to work for Nebraska Land Magazine, where he became senior associate editor. In 1970 he became public relations director at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. In 1972 he accepted a position at the Lincoln Safety Action Project and was later appointed public assistance officer for the Lincoln Public Works Department.
Bob was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church on 8 November 1985. He served as part-time assistant at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Lincoln and was a Chaplain at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center and a volunteer police and fire chaplain.
In 1994 Bob and Ellen became missionaries of the Episcopal Church, first going to Costa Rica to learn Spanish and then to the Dominican Republic, where they served for 16 years. Among other ministries, he was an assistant to Bp. Julio César Holguin. Bob lived his life with a drive and passion for service. He received many accolades, but his greatest impact was living by the spirit and love which lives on through all those who survive him. Bob was:
– Recognized by the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic for Bob and Ellen’s work in the Dominican Republic (2006).
– Received the Bishop’s Cross from the Diocese of Nebraska for Bob and Ellen’s missionary work.
– Recognized by the National Association of Episcopal Deacons for his mission work.
– An Episcopal Marriage Encounter presenter with Ellen, including Marriage Encounter for the Deaf.
– A presenter, with Ellen, for the first Episcopal Happenings in Nebraska and the Dominican Republic.
– A presenter for spiritual retreats for Chuck Colson Prison Ministries.
Rest eternal grant to Bob, O God, and let light perpetual shine upon him.