George Frank Snelgrove

Having traveled to over thirty-one countries, George F. Snelgrove believed “life is an adventure or nothing.” Declining health the past few years halted these adventures until January 15, 2015, when he left to embark on the “ultimate adventure.” A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 P.M., on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Rev. Christopher Noffke officiating. Friends may visit from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, or the St. Joseph Lighthouse Forever Fund. Those wishing to sign George’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. George was born in Rochester, NY on September 4, 1930 to Frank & Henrietta (MacKenzie) Snelgrove. He was an All – City basketball player before going on to Michigan State University where he graduated in 1953. He then became a Naval Aviator and served on the maiden voyage of the USS Forrestal in the Caribbean and on USS Bennington in the Far East. After several years in marketing posts at three major corporations, he opened his own management consulting firm and specialized in companies with financial difficulties. Among other contracts, he led successful turnarounds in seven companies nationally and five locally and wrote an unpublished book entitled “The CEO Handbook- for Good Times and Bad!” George enjoyed sports, especially Michigan State Spartans; traveling, gardening, chess and bridge.  He especially enjoyed being a grandfather. George was a teacher, a motivator, resourceful and kind. His English/Scottish heritage was evident in his dry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet, who will always be grateful for the lessons he taught her, the adventures they shared, and the care and concern he offered her children. Also surviving are daughters Shawn (Stephen) Snelgrove of Boulder, CO, Kathy (Raleigh) Phillips of Hilton Head, SC;  sons Keith Snelgrove of L.A., CA, Scott (Elyssa) Snelgrove of Daniel Island, SC; step children Lori (Jim) Theisen of Mound, MN, Donette (Joe) Bammann of Stevensville,  Jon (Lauri) Bammann of Acworth, GA and 10 grandchildren.