Bagheera Bengals of Dothan, Alabama
A Tribute to Larry Snider
Suwannee Bengals
Florida Bengal Rescue
Breeder & Owner of IW RW SGC Suwannee Fudge Ripple

Larry Snider
1938 - 2005

"Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles. I've only gone to rest for a while.
Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am but as I used to be.
Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile.
Understand in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a while.
As long as I have the love of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you."
Article published Oct. 25, 2005 at Gainesville.com
(Paraphrased and modified)


Suwannee County Florida resident Larry Snider loved cats. A retired construction supervisor and cattle rancher, Snider, 67, of Live Oak, FL would stop to feed a stray, tried to find owners for homeless cats and owned the Best Bengal Cat in the world for 2005.

Sunday evening Snider was returning home from a cat show in Green Cove Springs, FL with his champion feline and six other cats when his vehicle crashed on State Road 100 near the Columbia-Union county line. Snider died in the accident which occurred about 5:30 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The cats, which were all in cat carriers, survived and were all safely recovered and examined after the accident. Troopers reported Snider was driving west on SR 100 and was less than a mile west of County Road 239 when his Ford Explorer drifted off the road, went into a ditch and landed on its roof. Snider was not wearing a seat belt, the Florida Highway Patrol reported. Snider's health problems may have contributed to the accident according to family and friends.

One of Snider's frinds reported, "This man had the greatest passion for cats of any person I have ever met. He traveled often to cat shows all around the country and became well known by many motel propriters. While staying at a motel, if he saw a stray cat, he would always put out food for it."


A Tribute to My Very Good Friend, Larry Snider
Bill Brown


Larry, a robust, distinguished, and noble lover of all cats has been one of the most influential persons in the Bengal community. Many of us owe him for his years of service to TICA, the Bengal breed, and to Bengal rescue, and especially his support of new breeders. We have learned much at his feet.

While the "court" in which he reigned was one where litter boxes and feeding bowls were the primary tools, his contributions to TICA, TIBCS, cat clubs, and members of the cat fancy in general will be a lasting memorial to this “catman.”


more to come . . .