Campbell Snowberger
Campbell “Cam” “Coach” “Dr.” “Lieutenant Colonel” “Dad” Snowberger, 96, of Waynesboro, Pa., left this earth physically on Friday after living life to its fullest and having a positive influence on many, many people.
Cam was born Sept. 22, 1919, in Zullinger, Pa., to Ira F. and Hazel Woodring Snowberger. Cam was one of six children and the last surviving family member of this great, hardworking family. After working at the family farm through high school, Cam had this strong desire to further his education and sought to continue his thirst for learning at West Chester University.
Throughout Dad's life, the title of “continuous learner” was a moniker that he proudly wore. Dad graduated from WCU, taught and coached in high school, then traveled down South to Duke University and graduated with a degree in physical therapy. He had a six-month internship at Warm Springs Polio Foundation in Georgia, then went West to receive his doctorate from the University of Oregon, where he became involved in track and cross country.
He received his master's degree from San Francisco State University and attended numerous classes at University of Texas, Temple, University of Wisconsin, Shippensburg State, George Washington University, the University of Minnesota and many other institutions of higher learning.
In 2014, at age 94, Dad still was board certified to practice physical therapy in South Carolina and Pennsylvania and even attended and was certified in myofascial reflexology.
The saying behind every good man there is a good woman, or a great woman in this case, was accentuated by Dad marrying his wife, Janice L. Happel, in 1946. Mom put Dad through most of his education by working many jobs while having five children along the way. A key reason for Dad's success was his knowing that Mom could hold the fort down and deliver his message of purpose, unity and family values to the children. Mom died March 7, 2014, and Dad's health began to decline at that time.
Lt. Col. Snowberger had a great love for his country and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. The “Colonel” as he was affectionately known by many, flew 50 bombing missions in World War II, serving as a turret gunner and was deployed to the Korean War as well. The lieutenant colonel received many commendations, including the Air Medal, the Present Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Victory Medal, the Longevity Medal, the ETO, the Senior Hospital Administration Badge, and the Air Crew Wings. The Colonel remained in the Air Force via the Air Force reserves for 31 years which clearly influenced his work ethic, respect for people, and lifelong love for his country which he has instilled in his children.
Coach Snowberger was a very successful coach of high school basketball and college and Olympic track and field and cross country. Coach Snowberger's teams and individuals won many high-level awards such as NAIA Championships, All American status, conference championships and related distinguished achievements. To this day, many of coach's athletes keep in contact with him and have done so over the last 50 years.
Coach has been nominated for the Slippery Rock Sports Hall of Fame and has been recognized for innovative approaches to improving the performance and success of his track teams. Coach was asked by the U.S. State Department to coach the Burma Southeast Asia Peninsula team in the mid-1960s. Coach organized the world's first global track and field coached symposium at SRU and coached and hosted two Olympic hopefuls from Costa Rica and trained them for their opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.
Dad also served as the Air Force Academy athletic coordinator for Central Pennsylvania with a focus on recruiting the top athletes for the academy. Dad's love for physical fitness continued throughout his life, which contributed to his long life, including Dad being a top-three rated racquetball player in the U.S. in the Over 80 division.
Rarely a day would go by that Dad did not participate in some sort of physical activity from lifting weights, walking the Appalachian Trail, playing handball or racquetball, and many countless other activities. As kids, we would love to cheer him on and watch him beat players half his age in racquetball.
One of Dad's greatest loves of his life was his children. His daughter, Connie Scholz (husband Rick) lives in Chads Ford, Pa.; his daughter Pam Ross (husband John Ross) died of ALS in 2012; his son, Doug (wife Barb) resides in North Carolina; his daughter, Teri Burris (husband Treg) lives in Delaware; and his daughter, Wendi lives in Virginia.
Additionally, Dad was blessed with grandchildren, Jessica Snowberger Bullock, Jozi Snowberger, Jana Ross, Brad Ross, Bryan Stone, Emily Stone and Cameron Tierno; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas Bullock, who Dad met recently and titled “the Little Rascal,” and Bodie Ross.
Also, we can't forget Milo, his faithful companion pug, who remained by Dad's side during his declining health.
Dad was the ultimate provider, teacher, mentor and confidant. Regardless of who the audience was, athletes, students, patients, peers or kids, Dad had this aura of being able to get people to do more than they thought was possible. “Always remember, your competition is preparing and practicing to be the best, you need to practice harder, prepare better and set your sites higher to win.”
Dad was always present at our athletic events regardless of location and what he had to do to get there, such as drive 18 hours, donate vacation days, and sacrifice his time to be present, with Mom by his side of course. A tough act to follow though one we will always remember!
Throughout his life, Dad held many jobs. He was in highway construction, a teacher for colleges and high schools, dean, leader, coach, innovator, professor, creator of the field house at Slippery Rock, practicing physical therapist, director of development at a few universities, executive at the U.S. Veteran Administration in Washington, D.C., Southeast Asia Peninsula coach, and probably a few others that we just can't remember. He just always wanted to make an impact on people's lives and to make things better. Most importantly, though, was his title of dad, granddad, great-grandfather, sir and husband.
SNOWBERGER — Friends and family of Campbell “Cam” “Coach”: Dr.” “Lieutenant Colonel” “Dad” Snowberger, who died Friday, June 24, 2016, will be received at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Washington St., Waynesboro, Pa. A service to honor Dr. Campbell Snowberger will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The service will begin with a Masonic service, conducted by the Acacia Lodge 586. Burial will be later at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.; however, a ceremonial burial at the Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro, will follow the service.The family would like to recognize and thank the many health care workers who have provided Dad with superior care. Having such dedicated, caring and loving helpers clearly made Dad's last months on Earth a time, we know, that he cherished. Dad would continuously tell us how grateful he was for the care he was receiving. As family members living many hours away, we knew that Dad was being cared for by some really great people and we sincerely appreciate their presence in his life. For those who truly loved Cam, and you and we know who you are, we are eternally grateful and will never, ever, forget how well you cared for our Dad.Dad loved flowers; however, contributions may be made in his memory to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate; Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901; ALS Association, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007; or Spirit Trust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
