Paul “Popeye” Snyder, 76

Teacher, coach, mentor, role model, friend, devout Christian, family man - Paul  “Popeye” Snyder, 76, passed on July 29th, 2026.  

Born in Glasgow, Montana in 1949 to Wallace (Spud) and Dorothy (Dottie) Snyder, the family moved west in 1952 and established a home at Stony Broke Ranch near Martin City Montana in 1955.  It was there at the base of Desert Mountain and on the banks of Abbot Creek that Spud and Dottie created a sanctuary that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of all in the family, even generations later. The subtle beauty of the place combined with the strong parenting of Spud and Dot created an idyllic setting for Paul and his two siblings, Nina and Gerry to grow up in.  Paul, somewhat of a pipsqueak in his younger years, grew into himself as he progressed through high school, developing into one heck of an athlete.  

He was a captain on the wrestling team and a divisional champion, and earned All-State honors on the gridiron.  His prowess on the mat and field culminated with him earning the Tom Dumay Award his senior year in 1968, given annually to the most outstanding athlete. His picture still hangs on the wall of fame outside the CFHS gymnasium.

His talents on the football field resulted in a scholarship to Eastern Montana College, where he was a four-year starter on the defensive line for coach Robert Lee’s vaunted “Rebel” defense.  It was at Eastern where Paul developed some of the most interesting, meaningful and impactful relationships of his life (they also had great nicknames: Ono, Stink, Lefty, Pepsi, Monk, Rats, and others that are unmentionable). During the summers he served on the Hot Shot crew out of Big Creek, fighting wildfires throughout the west.  While at Eastern Paul was set up on a blind date with a beautiful young gal out of Great Falls named Holly Landsrud.  The two were married not long thereafter and would have two sons, Beau and Chad.  The two would remain married for 31 years and serve as pillars in the Columbia Falls community.

After graduating with a degree in education, Paul applied for a teaching position at his alma mater in Columbia Falls where he would begin his long career as a teacher and a coach.  It was here in these roles that he would have an immense impact on thousands of young lives.  His passion and joy for his profession were palpable.  He possessed this fine balance of being a tough disciplinarian, mentor and role model that demanded your best; but somehow remained approachable, patient and understanding.  You just felt like you were safe around him, probably because you were.  Simply put, the kids in that school respected and adored him, a rare combination.  All in all, Paul taught and coached at dang near every level at School District 6; from junior high football, to helping start the little guy wrestling program (of which the first attendees would later become known as the “Dream Team” taking home a state title trophy in 1990). Most of his career, however, was spent as the physical education teacher at CFHS and as a football and wrestling coach at the high school level.  He served as the head coach for the varsity football team from 1989-1996, coaching both of his sons in the process.  

Paul was also very involved with various church youth groups, creating his own program called the “Christian Cats.”  He directed large portions of his scarce free time towards these efforts; they were very important to him and had a significant impact on a lot of kid’s lives throughout the area.

 It was during this era that Paul also built a home (plus roping arena and barn) for his family on Trap Road, mostly with his own two hands (there was free labor, however, from his sons, their friends and the football team on occasion). Much like Stony Broke, it was a great place to raise kids.  Many fond memories were created there, not just for Beau and Chad, but for many of their friends and extended family as well.  

There may have even been an unsponsored gathering or two as well when the parents were out of town, hosted by Beau or Chad.  It has been stated that everything inside the house was held together by superglue.

Paul was a big man.  He spent a great deal of time in the weight room, and it showed.  His strength was impressive; he could still bench press 400 pounds at 40 years of age.  Despite his imposing stature, he never let it define who he was, and he somehow didn’t possess a cocky bone in his body. 

Between his two sons, there were approximately five instances where they could recall hearing Paul cuss.  Two involved mishaps on the football field, one a flooded chainsaw, one a missed mule deer opportunity, and the final in an argument with his wife.  Younger son later was disciplined at school for repeating the word overheard in the argument, thinking that if it came from his dad’s mouth, it probably wasn’t a curse word.  Neither son saw a drop of alcohol pass through his lips. 

Upon retiring from teaching, Paul managed a ranch in the foothills of the Bear Paw Mountains before returning to the Flathead Valley.  Upon return, he married Mary Kay Allison in 2008, they were married for 18 years. The two moved into Paul’s childhood home at Stony Broke (he took great pride in the fact that Spud and Dottie were “still taking care of him”).  It was there at Stony Broke that he enjoyed his golden years with Mary Kay.  Surrounded by love, family, horses and mountains, they were good years.  Fortunately, Paul was granted his wish of passing away at home thanks to Mary Kay’s continuous care over the last several years.

Paul loved to hunt, fish and rope off a good heading horse.  He was a fine storyteller and a true appreciator of the little things in life.  One of his main goals in life was “building memories” with family and friends while pursuing all the above.  Once dubbed as the “Perch Master” in a Fishful Thinking article in the Hungry Horse News, he possessed an irrational (as viewed by his sons) love for chasing yellow perch. Whether it be all night hard water excursions on Smith Lake lit by the moon, or the occasion where Paul went overboard during the spawn in 50-degree water and continued to fish for four hours (somehow the son in the bow fast asleep managed to stay in the boat) he went to great lengths for three-inch fillets.  Son Beau once joked that if they had spent as much time chasing elk as they had perch, they would all have several six-point bulls on the wall. 

Paul was also pretty damned funny. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Mary Kay, brother Gerry and sister Nina Ringo (Tom), two sons Beau (Melissa) and Chad as well as three grandchildren; Josh, Madison (Trevor) Hoerner, and Ashley. Paul was also going to be a great grandfather as Madison and Trevor Hoerner are expecting a baby boy this winter.   Stepchildren included Erin Senst, Zack Nau, Darin Nau, and Garret Allison.  

Childhood friend Randy Johnson summed it up this way:

“Paul has earned two spots in Webster’s Dictionary, first being the definition of blessed: meaning holy, fortunate or favored. Paul recognized that he was blessed for the love he received from his wonderful wife, parents, siblings, kids, grandkids and friends. Second being the definition of blessing: meaning good fortune. We have all received the blessing of knowing Paul. We benefited from his love, his talents, his heart, his humor, his dedication, his wisdom, his faith and his friendship.  Not a bad life for a Canyon Critter. We love you, Paul.” 

Well said…

Paul was truly a beautiful man, inside and out.  It seemed that all who crossed his path loved him.  He was the best of us…

A service has been scheduled for Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Columbia Falls High School gymnasium.  We would love to see you there…