Obituary of Allan Edward Snook

Allan Edward Snook ("Al"), 75, was born on October 21, 1940, in Decorah, Iowa to Albert and Dorothy (Hewitt) Snook. Al died August 26, 2016, at Porter Hospice in Centennial, Colorado, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Al grew up in Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1962. He then entered the Marine Corps and started his tour in the Naval Air Basic Training Command as a student naval aviator. He graduated from jet training and received his wings in 1964 and his first duty assignment was in El Toro, California, attached to the VMA-211 flying the A-4 "Skyhawk." He served in Viet Nam from November 1965 until December 1966, receiving a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for meritorious service and valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy. Upon Al’s return from Viet Nam, he served as an instructor in advanced jets at Training Squadron 21 in Kingsville, Texas and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in April 1969. In May 1969, Al began a career as a pilot with United Airlines and in 1978 moved his family from Ames, Iowa to Parker, Colorado. He achieved the rank of Captain in 1990. Al was awarded DENFO Captain of the Year in 1994 and received the Customer Satisfaction Award in 1999. During Al's tenure with United, he also served as a Standards Captain in the Denver Training Center and as the ALPA MEC (National) Training Committee Chairman. Al retired from United in October 2000. Al had a gift for teaching and lived his life as an extraordinary example of a servant leader. He was an active member of Joy Lutheran Church, faithfully serving his church family in many ways, he volunteered for Douglas County Open Space and he served in a number of roles in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs over many decades. Al has been recognized with many awards, including the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional service to scouting. He will be remembered for his strong faith; his friendliness, sense of humor and ready smile; his leadership and remarkable work ethic; his calm demeanor; his honesty, integrity and “telling it like it is;” for always “showing up;” and for making an impact. And for all of this, Al would not take the credit but would instead give all credit to God. That’s just the kind of man he was. He was respected, admired and loved by those fortunate enough to know him and he will be deeply missed. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marcia, his son Brett and daughter Jill, and five grandchildren - Alexandra and Cassidy Snook and Colton, Rachel and Camden Volk. Visitation will be September 6, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Joy Lutheran Church, 7051 E. Parker Hills Ct. in Parker. A celebration of Al's life will be held at Joy on September 8, 2016, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joy Lutheran Church to be put towards the future building of the columbarium. Service Information