SNELL, James Grant

James Grant Snell, Dec. 7, 1940- Aug. 15, 2017. 

Jamie lived his life to its fullest. As a professor of Canadian History at the University of Guelph (University Professor Emeritus), he was a dedicated teacher to thousands of students and an accomplished academic. He authored several books and numerous articles contributing to research in Canadian law and family history. 

Always a community-minded person, he served as a board member for the Guelph Youth Orchestra, a librarian at the Homewood Health Centre, and most recently, helped sponsor a Syrian refugee family through the St. George’s Church group. From the time he was a child, Jamie was an avid musician and sang in numerous choirs, including a long tenure with St. George’s Church choir in Guelph. 

Loving husband of over 50 years to Leslie (Good), father to Tricia (Colin Jarvis) and Karen (Ian Gerrie), grand-father to Bridgette and Charlotte, son of the late William Lewis Grant Snell and Muriel MacAgy Snell, brother to the late David Snell (Dorothy) and Brian Snell (Ellen), and loving uncle and cousin to many. 

As an unswerving champion of women’s rights, Jamie raised his two daughters to be confident in their abilities and mindful of social issues. He was a passionate reader, enthusiastic traveller, and friend to many. His sly sense of humour enlivened countless interactions with others. He will be truly missed. 

Cremation has already taken place. A reception will be held on Wednesday, August 30th from 4-6 p.m. at the Village by the Arboretum in the Village Centre, in Guelph, Ontario (33 Village Green Drive). 

Contributions, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated to James Snell Awards in History at the University of Guelph Alumni Affairs and Development http://uofg.convio.net/snell, YWCA Camp Tapawingo https://22335.thankyou4caring.org/in-memory-of-jamie-snell, or Indspire http://indspire.ca/donate-now/