Guelph, Ontario – It is with heavy hearts that Semex announces the passing of one of
our founding fathers, Roy G. Snyder. (Full obituary printed below)
Commonly referred to as the ‘Father of A.I.,’ Roy’s life story is a testament to the
modern dairy industry. Born in 1915 and raised on a dairy farm in Waterloo, Ontario,
Roy’s experiences with dairy cattle breeding were his life’s passion and remain
unmatched in our industry. Roy served A.I. in nearly every capacity possible, from
technician to AI centre manager, as well as chairman of several influential associations including Chairman of the Semen Marketing Committee and Secretary-Manager of the Ontario Association of Animal Breeders.
Through this work, Roy saw the Canadian and global A.I. industry’s potential. After thefirst export of frozen semen to be flown overseas from Canada to Germany’s University of Munich was made in 1959, Roy followed up with a visit in 1964. He wanted to see these daughters for himself, and reported that their milk production far exceeded the herd average.
As frozen semen exports grew so did Roy’s involvement, overseeing the doubling of
exports each year as he became more involved in promotion. This work culminated in one event that would change the A.I. industry’s global landscape, the formation of
Semex’s precursor Semex Canada. In his book, Fifty Years of Artificial Insemination in Canada 1934-1984, Roy stated, “One noteworthy day in my career was May 8, 1974, when Semex Canada became a reality.”
“Roy Snyder was a pioneer, and we are all better for having his influence and vision. He is the forefather of Semex and at 99 years of age, Roy continued to take great interest in Semex’s success,” says Paul Larmer, Semex Chief Executive Officer. “Our work today continues to reflect his integrity and his vision for a growing global presence.”
Roy G. Snyder passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in his 100th year. He was born on October 23, 1915. Roy was predeceased by his loving wife Clara Belle Weber Snyder on May 21, 2005 after 61 years of marriage. Loving father to Jean (Bruce) Fretz, Nancy (John) Brubacher, Donna Snyder (Allan Sauder) and Laura (Roger) Tiessen. Dear grandpa to Rob and Sarah Fretz; Katie, Rachel (Nicole Davidson Lewis) and Joanna Brubacher; Joya (Andy Farrow) and Paul Sauder (Jana Philipp); Kaylie, Shelby Foster (Mike) and Camellia Tiessen (Francis Higgins). Great-grandpa to Levi Brubacher Henderson and Tessa Foster.
He is survived by his dear sister Erma Horst and sisters-in-law Beatrice Snyder, Mable Sauder (Lewis Sauder), and Vera Weber.
Predeceased by siblings Cleason (Myrtle) Snyder, Nelson (Vera) and (Dorothy) Snyder, Minerva (Roy) Brubacher, Orville Snyder, Joe Snyder, and Cleason Horst. Two siblings died in infancy, Lorne and Vera. Also predeceased by in-laws Art (Beulah) Weber, Alice (Etril) Snyder, Oliver (Almeda) Weber, Sam (Verda) Weber, Tillie (Gordon) Hunsberger, Florence Weber, and George Weber.
Roy was active in all aspects of the Erb St. Mennonite Church and other church related organizations such as the board of Conrad Grebel College, Mennonite Economical Development Association and the MCC Heifer Sale.
Roy’s family was involved in the cattle industry and this became his lifetime passion. He was employed by Waterloo Cattle Breeders and Semex Canada. He was a partner in the Kitchener Stock Yards which later became St. Jacobs Market. He received many recognitions including induction in the Canadian Agricultural and Doon Pioneer Halls of Fame.
To honour Roy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Erb Street Mennonite Church, 131 Erb St. W., Waterloo followed by a reception in the church hall. Private burial will take place.
Thank you to Dr. Wismer, Parkwood Suites Staff, St. Mary’s Hospital staff and doctors for their excellent care of dad.
In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and memorial donations to MEDA (Mennonite Economical Development Associates) or Erb Street Mennonite Church can be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or .