Happy 100

Sun City Bridge Charter Club took a moment away from their serious game to celebrate resident John Snow’s 100th birthday not once but twice. Pat Zenner, a resident and bridge player, said, “On May 31, in the card room at the lodge, we will have a cake to celebrate his birthday.”

Not to be outdone, the Monday night bridge group also celebrated Snow’s centennial birthday with more cake on June 3.

Sandi Karnatz said, “John is an amazing man and bridge player. He likes to play no trump. Everyone who plays with him knows that.”

Dave Bachman, resident and bridge player, fondly remembers, “John was the principal at Barrington Elementary School when our two daughters were there. Everyone adored him. He knew every single child’s name. They named a street after him.”

Driving through Barrington off Northwest Highway, you will find John Snow Avenue, a tribute to Snow’s dedicated academic career and significant community contributions. His impact is still felt today, with his continued involvement with the school and his dedication to his former students.

Snow’s unwavering dedication to his students and his continued involvement with the school even after retirement is truly inspiring.

He shared, “I cherished every moment of my time with the students. I still maintain contact with some of them. Every year, I attend a reunion in July at the first school I taught. I continued to teach by subbing until I was 90.”

Snow graduated from the Chicago Art Institute. His home is filled with his framed works of art and carvings. He started his teaching career as an art teacher and moved into administration.

Snow, a WWII Veteran, joined the Air Force at the age of 18. He was sent to Drake College in Des Moines, Iowa, and later to California to join a class of bombardiers. However, by the time he was ready to be deployed, the war was over. He was reassigned as a clerk, a role he took on with pride.

Snow’s deep love for his family is palpable. He met his wife, Ann, while attending the Chicago Art Institute. They got married on August 4, 1951, and moved to Dundee, where they raised a family of six. 

“Ann passed away shortly after we moved to Sun City. She knew I would love it here. Our children blessed us with six grandchildren. I am eagerly waiting for my great-grandkids. I have one grandson, 27, and he is getting married, so there is hope.”

Snow also still drives. “I just passed the driver’s test. I have to take it annually, but cars now can drive themselves. You cross the line, it warns you, and you can’t get too close to the car ahead of you.”

Snow enjoys the fitness center and, of course, plays bridge. “My mom and dad played bridge. My mother was an excellent bridge player, and when I finished my homework, we would play cards. I also played pinochle with my grandfather. I also enjoy playing golf. My oldest son retired, and we get on the green, hit the ball, and hope for the best.”

Snow enjoys cooking his meals. 

“I used to grill but enjoy using my crockpot for meals,” he said.

Ken Kenny, a fellow bridge player, said, “You are too well preserved to be one-hundred.”

Margie Baptiste commented, “John is the guy who wears shorts year-round.”

John Snow’s zest for life and his belief in staying active and pursuing passions is truly invigorating. He advises, “Hang around young people. I enjoy life; I do. I like Patricia Dennis’ philosophy — life meant a lot and she couldn’t waste a minute. I believe in staying active, pursuing my passions, and cherishing every moment. That’s the key to a long and fulfilling life.”

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