Randall Warren Snodgrass

Randall (Randy) W. Snodgrass boarded for his final departure from this world he loved on Friday April 2, 2021 at age 68. Born in Ottawa, Kansas to Katharine Nadine and Robert W. Snodgrass, Randy had one older brother, Robert John, but his extended family included numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1970 and attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Randy moved to Colorado in 1971 and had a variety of jobs as a young man including journeyman electrician and later harvesting lumber and maintaining irrigation lines in Monte Vista. In the mid-1970s Randy followed in his father’s footsteps, beginning his lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator. Over the years he left his legacy throughout Colorado and Arizona building roads and digging foundations for houses. Randy was also a 30-year-plus member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #9. In 1991 Randy settled in Conifer. Shortly after moving in he became involved in the Aspen Park Improvement Association and served one term as president. It was in Aspen Park that Randy was introduced to Annette Mattox and the couple married in 2004. Randy remained active in his community as long as he was able and enjoyed walking the neighborhood, visiting with friends and neighbors. Forever young at heart, Randy was an avid collector of vintage toy trucks and trains and loved to go to auctions and estate sales in search of them. Even if he didn’t win a bid he was always curious about what and whom he might see. When he went to the local train shows, he’d stop in nearly every aisle to say hello to a friend and fellow collector. Randy belonged to several train clubs, including the Colorado Toy Train Foundation, and the Train Collectors Association (TCA). He was also a longtime member of the Rocky Mountain Division of TCA. Randy loved nature and being outdoors. He and Annette enjoyed hiking and 4-wheeling into remote areas to camp and fish. After Randy retired he found a local “coffee club” that also grew into an ATV group that explored the high country where Randy became known as “Garmin” because he could always find his way around lesser-known trails, like a human GPS. Randy and Annette traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and around the world. His curiosity took him from Alaska to Cape Horn and many points in between, including North, South and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. He joined his love of trains and traveling with rail trips throughout the U.S. and many countries he visited. His love of meeting people was ever present. Even on cruises he met folks that became longtime friends and future travel buddies. Randy is survived by his wife Annette, cousins Susan(Bill) Warren, Tyler (Janice) Smith, Connie(Curt) Atwood, Mike(Brenda) Okerberg, Jim(Jennifer) Okerberg and Jim(Debbie) Campbell. He was preceded in death by his mother K. Nadine, his father Robert, and brother Robert John Snodgrass. Randy was a kind and curious soul with a warm smile that was ever present. He took interest in everyone he met and always had time to listen and learn. He will be remembered and missed by many. Randy, your wings were ready but our hearts were not ready to see you go. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, May 8th, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aspen Park Community Center, 26215 Sutton Rd in Conifer, CO. In lieu of flowers please donate in Randy’s memory to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.