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Former Seneca president Snyder dies

Submitted Photo Former Seneca Nation of Indians President Barry E. Snyder, Sr., passed away Tuesday. He was 79.

Special to the OBSERVER

IRVING — Barry E. Snyder, Sr. a visionary, respected and influential business and political leader of the Seneca Nation of Indians, passed away Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 79.

Snyder wielded significant influence in Seneca Nation affairs for more than half a century, during which time he served five terms as Seneca Nation President, and was also elected to serve as the treasurer and as a member of the Seneca Nation Council.

“Barry served our Nation during our time, but he will deservedly be looked upon as a leader for all times,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr., a longtime friend and associate of Snyder’s. “Throughout his life and through his service, Barry elevated the Seneca Nation and the Seneca people. As President, he touched every facet of life on our territories.”

A member of the Seneca Nation’s Hawk Clan, Snyder was born on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, where he was raised by his grandmother, who instilled in him a great sense of pride in being a member of the Seneca Nation, as well as a sense of respect for Seneca history and traditions. Snyder attended the Thomas Indian School and was a member of the graduating class of 1957 from Gowanda High School. After graduating from high school, Snyder served two years in the United States Army and later worked as a barber and at the General Motors plant in Tonawanda. In 1960, he married Deanna Jimerson, and together they raised three sons: the late Barry E. Snyder, Jr., Scott Snyder and Ryan Snyder. The Snyders have 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

“Service was at the heart of everything my father did,” said Scott Snyder, himself an eight-time chairman of the Seneca Party, the dominant political party co-founded by his father to represent the voice of the Seneca people. “He lived his entire life in service to the people and causes who mattered to him. He served his country, he served the Seneca Nation and the Seneca people, and, above all, he served his family.”

Upon returning home from his military service, Snyder became involved in Seneca political and government matters. He went on to serve eight terms on the Seneca Nation Council, and also served as Treasurer. Snyder was elected to the first of his five terms as Seneca Nation President in 1980. He was also elected to the Nation’s highest office in 1992, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Under Snyder’s leadership, the Seneca Nation made significant political and economic gains, and transformed the way of life on the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories. Among his administrations’ many accomplishments were the construction of world-class facilities for healthcare, education, recreation, and public safety. The Nation also established new housing opportunities so the Seneca people can live on-territory, and made incredible gains in renewable energy. In addition, the Nation launched its own Seneca Transit System and created Seneca Strong, a program aimed at combatting substance abuse and addiction.

The Nation’s most notable economic gain under Snyder’s direction was the success of its three Class III casino gaming properties: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo. As the longtime chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation board of directors, Snyder played a critical role in setting the vision and growth strategy for the company, including completing significant expansions at all three locations.

Today, Seneca Gaming Corporation is one of the largest private employers in the region, with nearly 4,000 employees. Even after relinquishing his chairmanship upon learning of his illness, Snyder continued to serve on the board of directors until his death.

“Barry was the driving force behind the company’s success and growth,” said Kevin W. Seneca, current Seneca Gaming Corporation Chairman. “Just like with his businesses on territory and how he approached his duties when he was in elected office, he had a vision for Seneca Gaming Corporation, and he was masterful at getting people to buy into that vision. I don’t think the company would be where we are today if not for his leadership.”

In addition to his wife, Deanna, Snyder is survived by two sons, Scott and Ryan; a sister, Maxine Jimerson; two brothers, Art John and Dale Snyder; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandson and numerous relatives and friends. Snyder also was a proud member of American Legion Post 1587.

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