MICHAEL MOORE SNOBELEN

June 1, 2024

Michael Moore Snobelen of Goderich, died peacefully at home, June 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Anita Mallette Snobelen, and their family. He was 76 years old and had fought a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved father of Tanya Leppington and her husband, Larry; and Sam Snobelen and his wife, Wanda; all of Huron-Kinloss. He is predeceased by his youngest son, Troy, who died in 2019. He is also fondly remembered by their mother, Judy Snobelen, of Huron-Kinloss. Mike is loved by six grandchildren, Brooke, Annie, and Kate Leppington, and Cole, Eve, and Carter Snobelen, and their mother, Amy. His grandkids brought joy and youth to his life. Mike took great pride in their accomplishments and adventures, and took time to teach them about farming and take them to Blue Jays games. Many life lessons were taught by Grandpa Mike. He became a loving member of Anita’s family, and will be fondly remembered by her son, Colin Labadie, of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and daughter, Nicole Slatford, and grandchildren, Danni and Fiona, of Tecumseh. Missed by Anita’s brother, Peter Mallette, and his wife, Susan, of Chatham; and sister, Colleen Lantin, and her husband, Maurice, of Belle River. Mike and Anita loved to travel and saw many lovely destinations, but he especially loved their time together in Florida at their condo in Clearwater. Together, they would go to the Blue Jays spring-training each year. They enjoyed countless hours watching the ever-changing views of Lake Huron from their home in Goderich. Predeceased by his father, Samuel, in 1968; his mother, Margaret, in 1979; and his brother, Samuel Brian, in 2015. In 1964, when Mike was 16, he, Sam, Margaret and his brother, Brian, moved to the 4th Concession of Huron Township, from Kent County. A bold move in that day, one that grew into a family legacy. From humble beginnings, and through Mike’s work ethic, he led his entire family, demonstrating that hard work and dedication were the key to growing a successful business. That legacy continues to grow and thrive. Today, Snobelen Farms Ltd. is recognized as one of the largest family-owned grain businesses in Ontario, with export divisions reaching many parts of the globe. In 2009, Mike returned to his farming roots and enjoyed his retirement years, farming in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. In 1976, Mike was elected reeve of Huron Township. Taking a seat at Bruce County council was a proud moment in his municipal career. In 1980, he began developing subdivisions with partner, Wayne Lowry, along the Lake Huron shoreline and in Kincardine — Blair’s Grove, Heritage Heights, Murdock Glen and Lynden Estates — all now beautiful places that many call home. In the 1980s, Mike served terms as the school board trustee for Huron Township and Ripley, serving two years as the chairman of the Bruce County Board of Education. He was a proud member of the Ripley-Huron Legion where he supported many community initiatives. Mike was an influential person who left a legacy not only in the grain and farming community, but he left his mark on many people and places. It was important to him to remain humble and always show integrity with everyone he met. He always saw the good in everyone. We will miss his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye and his optimism. “Virtually every day is a good day; some are just a little better.” A private funeral service will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 1-4 p.m., at the Lucknow Community Centre. Speeches will be at 2:30 p.m. Memorial donations to the Ripley-Huron Legion or the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Condolences on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.