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A1 2 - The Canadian Champion, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Snow described as honest, man to be trusted • from COMMUNITY on page Ai portation and communications for 10 years in Bill Davis' government, retiring and not seeking re-election in 1985. During his time in cabinet, he helped bring about the construction of Hwy. 403 and the initiation of Hwy. 407. Jack Lewis, a longtime friend of Snow's and former presi- dent of the Oakville Conservative Riding Association, said constituents liked Snow because he followed through on what he said lie would do. "He paid attention to his riding," Lewis said. Krantz said what made him a good elected official was that he was always had residents' best interests at heart. "Jim did exceptionally well serving the public," he said. Milton will forever be reminded of one of its "architects," as Krantz called Snow, each time they take a drive along James Snow Parkway, a road Snow pushed for. Krantz explained Snow was humbled by the naming of the parkway, since he wasn't one to draw attention to him- self. But it meant a huge deal to bim, bis son said. "When the Town bestowed the honour, he was very proud," James said. Quite obviously, Snow was far more than an elected offi- cial. He was a devoted husband, a father to four and a grand- father to six. "We got along famously," said Barbara, who explained one of the secrets to their marital success was the simple adage "Never go to bed angry" She added their two dogs and cat will also miss him, say- ing they can't understand why they're not getting their night- ly cookies while sitting at Snow's feet. As a father, Snow was caring and attentive. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, James said, largely by his example. He stressed the importance of education, but at the same time encouraged his children to do something that made them happy "He was a bit reserved, but certainly not shy," James said, adding, "He wasn't a joke teller, but he had a very good sar- castic wit." Although be was opinionated, he was also tolerant, James HIE PHOU BY (,KAHAM FAINt Jim and Barbara Snow show the Lifetime Achievement Award they received from the Milton Chamber of Commerce last year. said, which afforded him great respect in the legislature. "He's touched so many lives," said his daughter, Julie Morris. Snow managed to pack much into his 79 years. Perhaps the only thing he was unsuccessful at was retiring, which be did five times, never seeming able to kick back and relax. Snow was born in what was then Esquesing Township (now part of Milton). At the age of 20, he started a con- struction company, Snow Construction Ltd. From 1969 to 1986, he owned and operated an aircraft parts manufacturer in Streetsville. He also ran a farm operation. Later on in his life, Snow bought the Hornby Glen Golf Course, which he ran for seven years. He was a pilot and owned a plane for more than four decades. In addition, he was a member of the Oakville Lions Club and a supporter of numerous charities. ple of years ago, they moved to a home on the Niagara Escarpment in Milton. They decided to donate the farm, worth $2.5 million, to the Salvation Amiy. "Jim and his wife, Barbara, have always been outstanding members of the community," said Capt. Bill Blackman of the local Salvation Army "At the Salvation Arny we witnessed his love for this community through the donation of their historic property" And last year, the Snows made the half-a-million-dollar donation to Milton District Hospital's CT Scanner Campaign - the hospital's largest ever personal donation. The annex housing the CT scanner has been named the James and Barbara Snow Family Trust Diagnostic Imaging Annex. "He found when be had so much, it was nice to give," Barbara said simply In 2007, the Snows were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Milton Chamber of Commerce. "Jim Snow was a community leader who loved his family, his friends, his community and his country," said executive director Sandy Martin. "He was honest, humble and a man of his word - a man to be trusted." Town Councillor Cindy Lunau spoke of the way Snow held firm to his beliefs. "He was a mentor and a friend who stood by his princi- ples," said Lunau, who served with Snow on the Conservation Halton Foundation. "His great dignity and passion for his community are part of his legacy" After all Snow accomplished in his life, what he told the Champion last year seems to be an understatement. "I was born and raised in this community and I see the needs the community bas," he said. "I like in some way to help out in meeting those needs." A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home, 114 Main St. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel tomorrow at 10 a.m. Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncana- dianchampion.com. KEY CENTRES u4ad /&ada à Êo.rNEVW LOCATION behind Milton Maill 0KEY CTENXTRES PLAQUES, TROP1IE8, ENCRAVING, wuCu UATC aERIE KEY CUTING 905-878-9770