Penticton

Photo: Contributed

Capt. Jonathan Snyder

The man behind finding a location for a Capt. Jonathan Snyder memorial has now found a place for it by the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Brian Hughes said the resort’s general manager David Prystay has agreed to having a portion of the land for this use.

The decision was reached after the city council declined to name the plaza at Front Street and Main Street for Snyder, who died in Afghanistan.

“He was alerted to what happened at the council meeting last night and his response was to step forward and offer the piece of land,” said Hughes, a family friend of the Snyder’s.

On Monday the council decided to not consider the idea put forth by Hughes, because they recently  made a decision to rename Forbes Street to Veterans Way to pay tribute to all who have lost their lives in war. Putting a plaque in the existing Veterans Memorial  Park to recognize Snyder was also agreed to.

“No one wished to not remember him,” said Councillor Judy Sentes. “It needs to be in keeping with everyone else who gave their lives.”

The plaza under consideration is connected to a piece of Penticton’s history. There is already a plaque there recognizing it as part of Shanghai Alley, said Sentes.

In addition, the playground at Penticton Christian School was dedicated in his memory in recent years.

Hughes, who has organized a June 4 ceremony recognizing the fifth anniversary of Snyder’s death, first wanted a sign placed in the 100 block of Main Street to honour the young soldier.

When that plan did not move ahead, he suggested naming the plaza. A move supported by the Veterans Association of Penticton, Penticton Christian School and Snyder’s mother in letters.

Hughes said he has been eager to memorialize Snyder, because not only was he his daughter’s friend, he was also a hero in Afghanistan that every schoolchild in the city should know about.

Prystay was quick to make the offer of a piece of property on the northwest corner of the hotel by the walkway because he knew Jonathan personally.

“I am very proud of his military career and personal life,” he said. “He is a very talented young man and I feel this is fitting.”

Snyder, a graduate of Penticton Secondary School,was a member of the Army Cadets, who later joined the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry.

He was on active duty in Afthanistan when he fell into a deep, unmarked well and died on the night of June 7, 2008.

Mayor Dan Ashton said this latest agreement to memorialize the young soldier was between Hughes and Prystay.

“That is up to Brian dealing with a private individual,” he said. “I know the city has taken large steps trying to do our best on this sensitive issue.”