We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Harold Z. Snyder, the founder of the Au Sable Institute, at age 93. We rejoice in Harold’s remarkable life and the surety of his reward in Christ's service.

Bert Froysland, a Founding Trustee of Au Sable who had a friendship with Harold for 66 years, made the following statement: “In establishing Au Sable, Harold was truly a pioneer in introducing creation care to the vocabulary of the Christian world. Two of his favorite hymns were “This Is My Father’s World” and “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord.” They were the story of his life, a life well lived.”

In 1956, Dr. Harold Snyder embarked on a mission to establish an outdoor camp that would focus on science and draw boys into a closer relationship with God. With the help of family and friends, Harold established the Au Sable Trails Camp for Youth which eventually became the Au Sable Institute. The guiding verse for the camp, which Harold regularly cited throughout his life, was Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

During his life, Harold helped thousands of people better understand and appreciate God’s created world. This institute he founded has remained true to its mission and will continue to inspire and educate people to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth.

The Snyder family intends to hold a celebration of Harold’s life on June 11, 2022, at 11:00am on our campus.

Harold’s family encourages gifts to Au Sable Institute so that his legacy can be continued through our mission and service. Harold was especially fond of this specific, physical place in God’s Kingdom: the ponds, lakes, trails, woods and buildings on our campus in northern Michigan that he helped build. He loved this place and encouraged us to make it “look good.” As such, all gifts given in memory of Harold will be dedicated to the enhancement of our campus buildings, grounds and trails. To make a gift in memory of Harold:

• Online: Visit www.ausable.org/donate and click “In Memory of” in the online form and enter “Harold Snyder.”

• Check: Mail a check with “Harold Snyder” in the memo line to Au Sable Institute, 7526 Sunset Trail Road NE, Mancelona, MI 49659.

In 2019, we honored Harold for his life of service and we asked our community to provide notes expressing appreciation to Harold. Here are a few of the notes that were shared with Harold:

I want to send you my deepest and most heartfelt thank you for the tremendous work that you have done in establishing the Au Sable Institute. My life will forever be impacted by the time that I spent at Au Sable as a student. The staff and professors there ontinue to be friends and mentors. Thank you , Harold, for your dedication in helping people better understand and appreciate God’s created world!
I know Dr. Harold Z. Snyder as "Grandpa." Thanks to Grandpa's passion for the Lord and His Creation, I've had the great privilege to grow up around Au Sable Institute. He has been one of the most active and influential people in my life, helping me to find my place in the North Woods and in the community of Jesus-followers around Au Sable and the world. My heart is full of joy and appreciation when I think of the blessings that have been given to us all through God's faithfulness to Grandpa. I pray he continues to grow in grace and faith, and that he knows how much he is loved.
I can't tell you how much Au Sable Institute has impacted me! My life and work are so much more meaningful because of the Biblical foundation I gained for creation care during my time in classes at Au Sable. One of my life's goals is to share what I learned at Au Sable with others, as most people seem to know very little about what the Bible teaches about creation care. And I will always remember your and Ellen's hospitality for the Bible Study at your house when I did the internship. I still use Ellen's chocolate chunk cookie recipe to this day!
Harold's vision for impacting youth (and young adults) through Au Sable's ministry came to fruition in my life as those two years became a major turning point in my life and working career. After an internship at Au Sable, I eventually spent over 15 years as an Outdoor Educator in my home state of PA. May our Lord and Creator continue to bless Au Sable Institute and its mission as Harold's legacy continues to impact individuals from various age groups to be active stewards of God's magnificent Creation.
God is amazing as He gave you the vision of educating people to learn about nature and nature's God. God knew the impact you would leave in the world, and in our hearts...because you knew He created you, and loved you, and you give God the glory: you teach us all how to do that well! The world is blessed through the work you, your family, friends and colleagues have accomplished.
I so appreciated Harold's constant smile and passion for God's creation and his people. During my 5 or so years of living and serving within various facets of the Au Sable community, it was hard to not admire Harold's determination, vision, and legacy. Harold has provided Au Sable with a constant and solid foundation despite the ups and downs that time and change always bring. His ability to keep pursuing a vision and adapting to various challenges over many years is inspiring to each of us.
Harold, we love you more than you know and are extremely pleased to be part of this honor for you. We are thankful for all you’ve done for the Kingdom through the ministries of Au Sable Trails Camp for Youth and Au Sable Institute, and the countless lives touched. You are truly one to whom honor is due and we cannot thank you enough for your influence on our lives.