Dale Quincy Snyder

Dale Q. Snyder, 76, of North Bend, passed away peacefully at his home in North Bend on June 28, 2025. A private family gathering was held to celebrate his life.

Dale Quincy Snyder was born on October 31, 1948 in Billings, Montana, to Arnold and Gladys Snyder. His lifelong passion for music began at the age of eight, when his mother introduced him to the school band program. From that moment on, drumming became the rhythm of his life. With encouragement and instruction from Detroit-based professional, Len Droste, and relentless practice, Dale quickly rose to become the best drummer in his school. At the age of twelve he received his first drum set, and by thirteen he was playing occasional gigs at the local country club. By the age of fourteen he was earning money performing at the Eagles Club, and by fifteen he was self sufficient, with his musical talent paving his way. In his junior year of high school, Dale spent a summer in Sheridan, Wyoming, performing at the historic Sheridan Inn. He returned home to finish school while juggling up to eight professional gigs a week. After high school, his musical journey took him to Springfield, Oregon, where he played in a trio, and then to Portland, where he joined Bob Blum’s four-piece band. With Blum’s group, Dale toured extensively, including a notable stint at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, where he performed alongside country artist Freddie Hart, best known for the hit song, Easy Loving. The band later toured Alaska for seven months before heading to a warmer destination of Goldendale, Washington. While there, Dale enrolled in junior college and began working for Johnny Foster, who had recently acquired a recording studio. Dale’s band became the house band, touring across several states before eventually returning to Portland. He then joined a new trio with Doug Atwel and Ira Allen, touring for nearly a year before settling back in Portland and joining the Billie Raye Group.

It was during the formative period that Dale met his future wife, Judy Jensen. After two years, they married and remodeled a home together in Portland, welcoming their son Will. Will’s first birthday was celebrated in North Bend, Oregon, as the young couple wanted to leave the city for a smaller town and be close to Judy’s extensive family. Judy became a teacher and school administrator, while Dale explored several career paths before ultimately finding fulfillment as a building contractor. One of his proudest achievements was the beautiful home he and Judy designed and built together in North Bend.

Though Dale found success in a variety of fields, music always remained his true passion. He continued to perform throughout his life, on stage at the Little Theater on the Bay, with the Bay Area Concert Band, and with numerous local musicians, some well-known. His dedication to the craft extended to helping young musicians attain their goals. Reflecting on his journey, Dale often said he had lived a wonderful life. For him, the heart of that life was simple and profound: family and music. These two passions defined him, brought him joy, and left a lasting legacy.

Dale is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Will and his wife May; sister, Jan Celar; nephew, Jason Houser and his wife Brandi; and many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as a number of Jensen relatives.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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