Obituary of Bruce Snell

Donald Bruce Snell Peacefully, on December 16, 2008 with his family by his side. He leaves behind his best friend and the love of his life, his wife Cindy (nee Bundy), his beloved and adored daughter Megan, his two cherished sons from his first marriage, Andrew (Camilla) and Stephen (Wilma), his sister Barbara Moote, his brother Robert Snell (Natalie) of Port Perry, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond. Bruce began his Toronto Board of Education career as a music teacher at Oakwood Collegiate. After teaching at Humberside Collegiate, he was promoted to Vice Principal at North Toronto Collegiate following which he returned to Humberside as Principal. Shortly thereafter he was appointed a superintendent in north Toronto and, after several other such postings; he finished his career as associate director of education for the Toronto Board of Education. He was the co-author of two music textbooks and a published composer and arranger. As music director of "Salad Days", he enjoyed a very successful run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre before moving the show to off-Broadway. In retirement, he became a passionate watercolour artist; his paintings received many awards in Toronto Watercolour Society exhibitions and he served on the society's executive for many years. He also returned to his roots as a musician and became a member of the Toronto Choristers and in the last few years became its conductor which gave him a new lease on life. Special thanks to Dr. Margaret Bennett, Bruce's GP, for her guidance and assistance during this difficult journey. Private cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19. A service to celebrate Bruce's life will be held on Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. in EGLINTON ST. GEORGE'S UNITED CHURCH, 35 Lytton Boulevard. To honour Bruce's contribution to music education, the family has established The D. Bruce Snell Memorial Award which will be presented each year to a graduating student from Oakwood Collegiate who will be pursuing his/her post-secondary education in music. In lieu of flowers, donations to The D. Bruce Snell Memorial Award would be appreciated by the family. Cheques should be made payable to Toronto District School Board, and mailed to: Toronto District School Board, c/o Anita Pietropaolo, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2N 5N8. Please indicate the award name on the memo line of your cheque. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.