A chronicler on canvas of Mennonite life in Waterloo Region, artist Peter Etril Snyder died Monday following treatment for leukemia. He was 73.
His artwork was a widely recognizable portrayal of rural life in the area, particularly of Old Order Mennonites, gracing many publications, including promotional material for the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival.
Born Jan. 28, 1944 at the same Kitchener hospital where he passed on August 28, Snyder began painting at the age of 12, taking lessons as a teen before heading to the Ontario College of Art from 1963-66. For the next 50 years, he built a career as an artist both in the region and beyond, enjoying both commissioned works and documenting local scenes that grabbed his interest, according to biographical information on his website.
Snyder established galleries for his original works and his reproductions, including a popular spot in St. Jacobs, which operated from 1989 until his retirement in 2009.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his brothers Doug and Don and their respective families.
There will be no service, but visitations will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Friday (2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.).
