TOPSHAM — Harry Coolidge Snyder died on November 23, 2018, at Mid Coast Hospital after a brief illness. When he was born on Election Day 94 years ago, his mother was taken aback. She had counted on a girl and had sewn a pink layette. Having no name picked out, she named him for her husband and the newly elected president.

Harry grew up in rural Pennsylvania, worked hard to become an Eagle Scout, and studied relentlessly to be admitted to the Air Cadet program at 18. In World War II he piloted a B-24 bomber over Europe and got his crew through their 29 missions. But the real miracle, according to him, was when he went to Bucknell University on the GI Bill and heard a young woman sing a solo in church.

He fell in love with her voice and made sure he met Fay Adams. After six months of courtship and dancing to the big bands, they married and settled in Lewisburg, PA. Harry built a thriving home improvement business, and Fay had her hands full with their young children.

Although he had a talent and drive for business, his religious faith pulled him more strongly. The family moved to Newton, MA, where he attended theological seminary. He then worked for peace and social justice in various churches and communities, but he would tell you that his best memories were of Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington, ME.

Through the changes the family’s second home on Cape Cod anchored family life. Every morning during summer vacations, Harry hoisted the flag and began working on the old house, his wooden sailboat and in the garden. At the end of the day he would take a long swim or walk, but what he enjoyed most was seeing his growing family delight in being there together.

Much later, memories of Maine drew Harry and Fay to The Highlands where they made good friends who sustained him after Fay died in 2015. He missed her every day and said he was the luckiest of husbands, but his heart opened wide this fall for Elizabeth, his loving companion.

His children, Jim, Beth, Ted and Greg, their partners, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren will remember his exuberance and regard for others — and we will honor his example when we notice the simplest things and practice gratitude for everyday miracles.