Lester Miles Snyder, Jr.
Sacramento, California - Lester Miles Snyder, Jr. ("Miles"), 88, passed away on June 16, 2022 surrounded by family at Pioneer House, a senior living community in downtown Sacramento.
Born July 23, 1933 to Lester and Dorothy Snyder in Berkeley, CA, Miles spent his childhood and teenage years in Berkeley, San Francisco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and Stamford, CT, where he graduated from high school in 1951. He continued his education at Yale, earning his B.A. in American Studies in 1955. After serving two years in the U.S. Army in Germany, he returned to California to study law at UC Berkeley, graduating in 1960.
A long time Sacramento resident, he began his private law practice in 1962 where he practiced for 55-years. He was proud of the small office he ran and the quality service he provided to everyday people needing counsel.
Miles' love for Sacramento and his commitment to community service was demonstrated by his involvement in a number of philanthropic organizations including Friends of the Sacramento Public Library, Founding President of the Sacramento County Public Library Foundation, The Sacramento Pioneer Association and serving on the boards of the Cathedral Pioneer Church Homes and Retirement Housing Foundation for over 40 years which built and provided housing for needy seniors.
A longtime dedicated congregant at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Miles served on its vestry, as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention, and as the Chancellor for the Diocese of Northern California for many years. He was made an honorary Canon by Bishop Lamb for his service as Chancellor.
Miles married Catherine ("Cathy") Stair Doxsee in 1966 and within eleven months was the father of four: Tad Doxsee, Bowen Doxsee, Mathew Snyder and Holly Snyder Lohuis. He and Cathy raised the family in the Arden Park neighborhood of Sacramento, attending countless swim meets, ball games and band concerts. He also led the family with friends on many backpack trips in the High Sierra and shared many memorable family vacations at The Sea Ranch.
After being widowed, Miles married Sharon Ancker in 1992, with whom he shared his life until her death in October 2021. Their almost 30-year marriage was characterized by their love for each other, reading and visiting museums.
To all who knew Miles, from close friends and family to those he met tangentially, he will be remembered as the epitome of inclusiveness, compassion, honesty, and generosity. His inquisitive and outgoing nature, along with his wonderful sense of humor and that special twinkle in his eye, garnered him welcome company throughout his many years. Miles' trademark phrase was "worlds of love", and he certainly shared his love of life with the world.
In addition to his four children, Miles is survived by his daughter-in-law, Elisabeth Doxsee, son-in-law Chris Matthews, mother-in-law, Cande Ancker, and three grandchildren, Allison Doxsee, Bowen Doxsee, and Gavin Miles Lohuis.
A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 2:00 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95816.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Friends of the Sacramento Public Library, or the American River Parkway Foundation.