PAUL SNEED
NOVEMBER, 1944 - AUGUST 26, 2010
Friends and former colleagues of PAUL SNEED are sad to announce his passing on August 26, 2010 in Nelson B.C. at the age of 64, after a two-year struggle with cancer.
Paul was an adventurer in life. Paul loved the outdoors and has had various and diverse careers as a cowboy, firefighter, hunting and rafting guide, archaeologist, natural resource manager, environmental consultant, community college administrator, and college and university teacher.
Paul taught at Northwest Community College from 1979-1988 where he headed up the Aboriginal Studies department.
Paul worked with First Nation’s students to support them in their journey of cultural recovery. Paul also filled the role of Academic Head working to create a strong and fair academic program at NWCC.
Paul’s academic interests and research activities focus on sustainability science and practice including ecological restoration, parks and wilderness management, and sustainability education. In addition to being an active and published researcher, because he believes that a scientist should be an activist, Paul served in leadership positions on a number of local and regional community development and environmental organizations in Arizona, British Columbia, and Montana.
Paul believed that education is the key to a sustainable future and that everyone should join the community of life-long learners who value ecological literacy, honor diversity, embrace change, and dream of making the world a better place for all beings.
Paul was a true environmentalist, committed to understanding the many forces that support the dynamic and fragile environment of the planet that sustains us all.
Paul is survived by his wife Ramona Mattix of Nelson and his daughter Niki Duncan-Sortun of Everett, WA and sister, Sondra Tonneson. He requested no service and that his ashes be scattered at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia rivers.
In lieu of condolences, Paul and Ramona would appreciate donations be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
We miss you dear friend.