TR loses longtime community advocate Bruce Snook dies Thursday By Rick Cordes Staff Writer Published: Friday, August 30, 2013 10:06 AM EDT KALAMAZOO — Bruce Snook, a lifetime St. Joseph County resident and longtime Three Rivers area advocate, has succumbed to complications from a disorder that hospitalized him on Aug. 3. He passed away Thursday, Aug. 29. Snook, who grew up in Colon and attended schools there, most recently has been the editor/publisher of the popular River Country Journal on-line magazine and has left an indelible mark from his countless efforts over the years to find better ways for area residents to work, play and live. Known by many from his early years as a broadcaster, newscaster and disc jockey on WLKM Radio, Snook was a familiar voice in households throughout the listening area as he spun tunes and interviewed people from all walks of life, eventually covering almost every topic imaginable. From his local radio days Snook migrated in 1992 to the position of Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce general manager and launched whole-heartedly into myriad projects where he partnered with whoever was willing to improve the business and social climate of this corner of the world. It’s not hard to find someone who has a kind word to say about Bruce. Anyone who spent time with him was touched by his genuine kindness and gentle disposition, which was undergirded by a steely determination to get things done. Bruce cared about people, about this community, and about the future of humanity. He was a voracious reader whose interests ranged near and far, and was always glad to put you in touch with a resource to broaden your horizons or help you find a better way to go. Deb Herring worked with Bruce first as a volunteer for Water Festival projects and later was brought on by him to become the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce operations manager. “He was a great, great man,” Herring said. “He could be like a father figure. He had such pride in the community and for everybody in the community, regardless of position. He was very supportive of all endeavors to support this community.”
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 02:38:32 +0000