Russell "Russ" Snyder

Russell Jay Snyder, “Russ,” 68, of Carlsbad, California, passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters.

Born on May 18, 1957, in Orlando, Florida, Russ lived a life devoted to service, connection, unconditional love, and compassion. He was a gifted minister, counselor, and visionary whose deep empathy and unwavering integrity impacted countless lives. Whether offering guidance as a trusted confidant or delivering sermons filled with heart and humor, Russ always made people feel seen, heard, and valued.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Snyder; his daughters, Ashley Snyder Dunser and Erica Snyder; his son-in-law, Aaron Dunser; and his treasured grandchildren, Kendall and Kaiden. Russ is also survived by his siblings Marian Burchfiel, Lawson E. Snyder III, John Snyder, and Karen Saxon; stepsiblings John Byron Geshay, Sandy Marzicola, Jenny Boshard, and Marlene Johnson; and cousins Kathy Ohlund Cleary and Bob Ohlund. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawson E. Snyder II; stepfather, Richard Geshay; and mother, Connie Geshay.

Russ found joy in the everyday—cooking breakfast for loved ones, baking cookies, walking by the beach, and sharing long conversations over a cup of tea. He was passionate about pursuing God, sports, journaling, writing scripts and books, and his wife, daughters, son-in-law & grandchildren. He loved to travel, take road trips, and connect deeply with those around him. Known for his quick wit, loyal friendship, deep love and commitment to friends and family and unwavering dedication to God & serving others. Russ was a problem solver, storyteller, and source of strength to all who knew him.

He believed in building platforms of success for others and found joy in watching people grow, thrive, and fulfill their potential. His legacy lives on in the many lives he encouraged, mentored, and believed in. He lived by this quote “My closest friends in life are those who motivate my thirst for God". 

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday August 16, 2025 at 2:00PM at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, CA (1350 Poinsettia Lane, Carlsbad CA 92011)- . Russ loved all shades of the color blue, so we would like to honor him by asking those attending this celebration to wear any shade of blue. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to North Coast Calvary Chapel Benevolence fund: https://pushpay.com/g/ncccgive or to Wholehearted Devotion Ministries: email wholehearteddevotion@gmail.com for information .

Russ’s presence, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.