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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 17, 2008 - 3 James Snow helped build a better community By Stephanie Hounsell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER James Snow was many things to many people over his lifetime, but most of all he was a builder. As his son James explained, he was a builder of structures with his construction company, a builder of roads as transportation minister and a builder of communities as a philanthropist and volunteer. "My dad was a builder. He loved to build things," James said. On Saturday, James Snow passed away in his sleep at Milton District Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 79. It was the day of his 56th wedding anniversary with his wife, Barbara. Although many are mourning Snow's passing, it doesn't take long for the smiles to emerge, as residents remember Snow's remarkable commitment to his family and community. There's no doubt politics formed a large part of Snow's life. In an interview last year, Snow spoke of his role in the public eye. "The highlight of my life was the 18 years I spent in government as an MPP," he said. Snow was elected MPP for Halton East in 1967 and later for Oakville and served as the Progressive Conservative MPP for 18 years, being re-elected four times. He was minister of government services for four years and minister of transportation and communications for 10 years in Bill Davis's government, retiring and not seeking re-election in 1985. During his time in cabinet, he helped with the establishment of Bronte Creek Provincial Park, the creation of the Ontario Agricultural Museum in Milton -- now called the Country Heritage Park, the construction of Hwy. 403 and the initiation of Hwy. 407, while serving as Ontario Minister of Transportation from 1975 to 1985. Jack Lewis, a longtime friend of Snow's and former president of the Oakville Conservative riding association, said constituents liked Snow because he followed through on what he said he would do. "He paid attention to his riding," Lewis said. Quite obviously, Snow was far more than an elected official. He was a devoted husband, a father to four and a grandfather to six. James Snow James Snow as Cabinet Minister "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, saying they can't understand why they're not getting their nightly 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 sarcastic wit." Although he was opinionated, he was also tolerant, James 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 he 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 construction 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. The Snows lived on a farm in Hornby for 46 years. A couple 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 Army. "Jim and his wife, Barbara, have always been outstanding members of the community," said Capt. Bill Blackman of the Milton Salvation Army. "At the Salvation Army we witnessed his love for this community through the donation of their historic property." In December 2006, through the Community Foundation of Oakville, the Snows established the James and Barbara Snow Family Fund, a designated fund that will support six of their favourite local charities forever. The designated fund will support the Oakville, Milton and Georgetown hospitals as well as the Lions Foundation, Dog Guides of Canada and two churches in the Milton area. 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 he had so much, it was nice to give," Barbara said simply. After all Snow accomplished in his life, what he said in one of his final interviews last year seems an understatement. "I was born and raised in this community and I see the needs the community has," 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. Since 1968 Auto and Home Insurance We find the right price, coverage and service for you. 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