Robert Martin Snellman

What through the radiance which was once so brightBe now for ever taken from my sight,Though nothing can bring back the hourOf Splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower,We will grieve not, rather findStrength in what remains behind;In the primal sympathyWhich having been must ever be;In the soothing thoughts that springOut of human suffering;In the faith that looks through death,In years that bring the philosophic mind.William WordsworthBob, passed away on October 3, 2010 and was laid to rest by his beloved Barbara's side Thursday, October 7th, 2010 at Blakely Cemetery, Bainbridge Island, Washington.Robert Snellman epitomized the Finnish concept of "Sisu": the strength of will, perseverance, and determination to act rationally in the face of adversity. "Sisu" is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. It is a measure of integrity that surpasses the hardship and sees through to the end. It is the character that allows the Finns to laugh at disaster, pay their war debts in full, and do what must be done regardless of cost.Robert was the son of Finnish dissidents who made their way to the Northwest via Canada. His father was forced to flee Finland after refusing to bow before an arrogant Russian crossing a bridge. In the 19th century Robert's ancestor Johan Vilhelm Snellman was ennobled for his activist statesmanship on behalf of Finland. He is credited with modernizing Finnish into a civilized language of nation building, culture and academia.Robert inherited "Sisu" at an early age from his indomitable mother. He learned to work hard by watching her support the family as a single mother. Although times were spare he remembered his childhood as a period of great freedom. Raised in Kelso, Astoria and Seattle he and his younger brother Don played hard and worked hard. They became tough outdoorsman with skills at negotiation and leadership. In the Snellman tradition of intellectual thought Robert became an avid and broadminded reader. He loved the classics and collected antique and first edition books. He always had a newspaper or business magazine in hand. Intrigued by the puzzles of a mystery, Robert's library was filled with the complete works of Agatha Christie and Louis L'Amour as well as the stories of detectives Maigret, Poirot and many others. After reading "Mein Kampf" as a teenager Robert realized World War II was inevitable. He hated the thought of soldiering in the tropics of the South Pacific so he enlisted at the age of 18 in the Washington National Guard. He was assigned to the 205th Coast Artillery Unit Battery B "Res Verae" where he made lifelong friendships. In September 1942 Robert's cadre was reassigned to the 461st Anti‐Air‐Craft Artillery Battalion where he made rank of Staff Sergeant. In anticipation of the D‐Day invasion of France the battalion was reassigned to the Army V Corps. The 461st landed at the inferno of the Omaha Beachhead on D7. The battalion fought with V Corps through the hedgerows of Normandy, the Falaise Pocket, the Bridge at Remagen, the Siegfried Line, and the Battle of the Bulge. In March 1945, the 461st joined the Fighting 69th Infantry Division as it became the first Allied force to link with the Soviet Army at Torgau on the Elbe River. Recalling the historic event Robert remembered the Soviet troops as being the toughest people he had ever met. Robert's military service as an American of Finnish descent gave him profound personal pride but the excesses of war challenged his deepest convictions. He believed in the duty of service to one's nation yet questioned the morality of the Vietnam War. Although a strong proponent of free enterprise Robert remained a lifelong democrat. Following World War II Robert returned to Seattle and attended the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Business. He began his post‐war career as a traveling salesman. Over the years his Finnish "Sisu" combined with his passion for business, shrewd yet ethical dealings and meticulous record keeping led to considerable financial success. Robert did not flaunt his hard earned wealth. Instead he began his lifelong philanthropy for the Arts and Education. His fierce and outspoken personality sometimes overshadowed his generous and genuine support. (Please reference fyaya.com on the web). He supported public libraries, school music programs, the Seattle Symphony, the early days of the Sun Valley Symphony, Seattle Opera, Seattle theater companies and he quietly assisted friends and acquaintances in need. He was an active board member of the Bellevue Triangle Athletic Club.As a prominent Seattle businessman Robert joined the Washington Athletic Club. A member for over fifty years, he earned the designation of "Member for Life" even following several memorable hell‐raising disturbances with brother Don. Robert also joined the UW Husky Alumni Association and became a rabid Husky Football fan. The decisions of the UW Athletic Department could stir him to praise or profanity depending on the season's results.Although Robert traveled extensively, he was proud to call Seattle home. One of his favorite pastimes was walking the great streets of his favorite city. During these years Robert's son Eric and daughter Heidi were born. Grandchildren Ryan, Natascha and Ruben followed. At times his Finnish stoicism may have restrained him from tender expressions of affection yet his actions on behalf of his family proved a fatherly love and concern for all of his children. He always had a warm lap for a grandchild and a twinkling chuckle watching their antics. In the area of education Robert Snellman's generosity was unmatched. Every child and grandchild was given the opportunity and support to seek higher education. Equal generosity was extended to his stepchildren and their children. Robert survived the loss of his beloved first wife Helen. He remained on cordial terms with his second wife Patricia. He found romance, adventure and commitment with his greatest love, Barbara, whom he married in 1984. From their home base on Pleasant Beach they launched a rich life together of travel, culture and friends. From Paris to the Shipwreck Trail of Vancouver Island; London to the rapids of the Grand Canyon; New York to the slopes of Sun Valley; Music, Theater, Opera and epicurean delights; parties with friends, sailboats, gallery openings, library fund‐raisers to dinners at Canlis; Grandchildren soccer games, graduations and concerts to Conductor Circle Symphony Galas, their lively tales provided never ending entertainment for their friends and family. During Barbara's long struggle with declining health Robert was her constant companion and aid. He never ceased doting on her and did his best to keep her from harm. Barbara's passing in February 2010 quenched his will to live. He missed her with all of his powerful Finnish heart and soul, and he longed for the day he would be reunited with her."Time for me to cease my singing.Tie my tongue up in a knot….I'll wind my verse up in a ball…Stow it in the storehouse loft….Many have complained to me,Cursed my verse or damned my accent….But still in all, at any rate,I have broken trail for others,Set the course and cleared the wayFor better, more prolific singersFor the younger folk,For the rising generation."(From the Finnish Epic "Kalevala")Robert Snellman is survived by beloved son Eric, Janni, and grandchild Ryan; beloved daughter Heidi, grandchildren Natascha and Ruben; beloved niece Cynthia, Jim; John Davis, Jenny and grandchild Cassidy; Robin Davis Harren, Patrick, and grandchildren Laura, Sean and Nora; Hollace Davis Bamford, Mike, and grandchildren Kevin, Greg, Peter and Matt.Heartfelt thanks to the caring hands supporting Robert during his final days. A special thank you to John Davis for fulfilling his duty to protect and implement the final wishes of Robert and Barbara Snellman. Thanks to Betty, Linda and David of Abiding Care for their ethical and kindly care of the Snellmans. Thanks to Lisa and Heidi of the Harrison Hospital ICU. Thanks to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island. In keeping with the value he placed on a literate citizenry remembrances in Robert Snellman's name may be made to a school reading program of choice.