Bruce Snow, Jr.

Easygoing and with an upbeat personality, Bruce Snow was without doubt a people person. He could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone, and brought smiles to the days of many. He counted his family as his greatest blessing, and his faith shone bright in all he said and did. Sadly missed, Bruce will be fondly remembered.

By 1967, over 475,000 U.S. troops were embattled overseas on Vietnam soil. Peace rallies and protesters against the war waged their rights to free speech during a time otherwise known as "the summer of love". Cities across America were also embroiled in race riots which divided many in the pursuit of equality. The Woodstock Generation was clearly making their way through this era of the hippie and flower child when Bruce and Valarie (Herbert) Snow Sr., a young couple from Plainwell, Michigan had their sights focused on a new child in their lives. Bruce Snow Jr. was born on November 29, 1967 and was the oldest of eventually six children in his family which included siblings, Joe, Scott, Amy, Ann, and Ellen. From the very beginning, Bruce and his father were close and remained close throughout his life.

Bruce's family moved several times during his youth but they always remained in the Plainwell area. As typical young boys do, he found his share of adventure and shared the friendships of several neighborhood and school friends. He attended Plainwell Public Schools and during his high school years he loved electronics. In fact, he would take things apart just to discover how they worked and operated. Bruce went on to graduate with the Class of 1986 from Plainwell High School.

Following high school, Bruce joined the Navy, serving from 1986 to 1990 until his honorable discharge. He worked at several jobs after the military, but when he was introduced to Violet, his entire focus in life changed. They met in October of 1990 through his brother who was dating Violet's good friend. They set them up to meet at Bruce's house for a meeting, and from there they began dating steadily. They dated for the next six years, and became husband and wife on February 10, 1996 when they exchanged vows of marriage.

Bruce was born to be a dad which was evident in his love and care for their two children, Benjamin and Jaime. He was proud of them from their earliest beginnings, and was passionate about his family and church. Faith was a large part of Bruce's life and would never have wanted it any other way.

Over the years, Bruce worked several jobs as an engineer, technician and as a fabricator. He worked tirelessly to provide for the family he loved. He most recently was working for PRAB, Inc., a manufacturer of conveyors. He continued his love of electronics, and enjoyed working with his hands. From toasters to his cars, Bruce could fix anything. He liked the challenge before him and remained intrigued by how things functioned. Working on his Volkswagens and Mustangs always proved to be worthwhile for him, especially alongside his son as they enjoyed their time together.

Bruce was a big brother in more ways than one. He looked out for his friends and was genuinely interested in their cares and concerns in life. An encourager of others, his kindhearted ways and upbeat personality earned him the nickname, "peacemaker" from his friends. Whether he was working on something small or a large project, Bruce was quite often a perfectionist. He'd rather do something right and well the first time rather than having to go back over his work. He could also be a clown. With a Type A personality, his extraverted nature found him reveling in the company of others. Although he tended to be a little cocky and overly confident at times, one couldn't help to enjoy the life he brought to any conversation or gathering.

When it came to music, Bruce preferred Christian music, rock and tolerated country! He loved movies, especially Star Trek and Star Wars. Bruce's mind was always at work inventing or reinventing things. He also deemed Mexican food as his favorite, but also loved deep friend ice cream and cheesecake. His cat, Mikie didn't like anyone except Bruce, and he had a Golden Retriever named Lui who was typically by his side.

At the age of 44, Bruce Snow Jr., of Plainwell, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Gone but never to be forgotten, Bruce will be lovingly missed.

Visit with his family and friends, and view his life story film on Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell, 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). His funeral service will be held Monday, July 30, 2012 at the Kalamazoo Community Church, 2435 North 26th Street at 11:00 AM. Bruce’s family includes his wife, Violet; his children: Ben and Jaime; mother, Valerie Cole and Stepfather Norm; his father, Bruce Snow, Sr.; siblings: Joe Snow, Scott (Christine) Snow, Amy (Vince) Sheldon, Ann (Nick) Shepich, Ellen (Matthew) Alcook; stepmother, Cindy (Terry) Towery; grandparents, Jim and Helen Snow. Please visit Bruce’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory, photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. A memorial fund is being started for his children’s education.