Clyde W. “Wink” Snow, 74, passed away on the morning of June 3 at MidCoast Hospital in Brunswick.
Born in Stonington on Nov. 14, 1932, the ninth of 12 children, he was the son of Bertrand and Flossie Eaton Snow.
He attended Stonington public schools and was a graduate of the Northern Conservatory of Music in Bangor, where he first met his wife of 51 years, Olive Manzer.
Clyde was a music teacher in various schools throughout Maine for over 25 years and retired after teaching for the Bristol, South Bristol school system. A few years later he was coaxed out of retirement to teach again for three more years in Nobleboro, and the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta. His greatest joy as a music educator was being conductor of the band and he was well known for this talent by his colleagues. Over the years he taught hundreds of students how to play various instruments.
His love of music began early in life. At age 11, he was playing the banjo in his mother’s dance band and as a teenager he continued playing in dance bands, performing throughout the state. Eventually the clarinet became his primary instrument, which he continued to play in various musical groups over the years.
In 1980, Clyde began a second career as the owner of a furniture stripping and refinishing business at his residence in Walpole and continued this endeavor for about 15 years. Once again he was able to combine one of his true interests with his working life. He loved working with wood and enjoyed bringing a neglected piece of furniture back to life through his creativity. His work is left behind in various homes throughout the community.
Clyde had a strong appreciation for nature. He enjoyed visiting scenic areas in and out of Maine and was an avid camper. In recent years, he created a beautiful garden with a pond on his property. This had become and will always remain a special place for him and his family.
Clyde had a sincere appreciation for the gift of life. He was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, often singing with them and always making them laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Olive of Walpole; daughters, Mary of Denver, Col. and Cathy and husband Dave Cushing of Bristol; sons, Mike of Newcastle, Bill and wife Mary of Waldoboro, Tom of Lantana, Fla., and Steve and wife Kim of Windham; grandchildren, Bryan, Rachel and husband Colin, Angie and husband Aaron, Norah, Megan, Nicole, and Jocelyn; one great-granddaughter, Arianna; sisters, June Wetterwald, and Janet Eaton, and a brother, Kenneth, all of Shelburne Falls, Mass.
Memorial service 11 a.m., Fri., June 15 on the grounds of Pemaquid Point in Pemaquid.
Following the service, the family would like to welcome all to attend a celebration of his life at his garden and home in Walpole.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.