A Tribute to our Friend and Mentor, Glenn Snowberger
It is with great sadness that we announce that Glenn Snowberger died suddenly on Wednesday night August 26th in Scottsdale Arizona. We all at Valley Forge, his family and friends, and his customers around the world are reeling with shock and sadness. During this sad time, it has been helpful to hear stories from individuals about Glenn from within the fastener industry.
Glenn Snowberger’s career in the fastener industry began shortly after he earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, circa 1959, as an Industrial Engineer. He wanted to work for a steel mill, but when he got the job, he was taken to the bolting division across the street. He stayed in fasteners for the rest of his life.
As a young engineer he worked for William North of Ferry Cap & Set Screw Co. He was just out of college and was called to travel to Washington to present a draft on a federal standard for the 12 point head as an alternative for the newly revised 1960 series socket head, which was approved.
It is often said that joining the fastener industry is similar to the Hotel California verse “You can check out, but you can never leave”. Glenn was no exception. He worked for many of the fastener industry pillars, Ferry Cap & Set Screw, Nelson Stud, MSL Industries, P.L. Robertson, Infasco, and Valley Forge & Bolt. He held many positions from Industrial Engineer, Foreman, Engineering Manager, Works Manager, Vice President to Director.
Participating in the Industrial Fastener Institute for more than 5 decades, Glenn was active for many years in IFI Division III Group Automotive Industries Action Group. His favorite occupation after the daily meetings took place, was to find the bar and “network” with younger members. He was always ready to mentor anyone else interested in fasteners and had a great story on any topic.
He spent many years managing the Ingersoll Division of Infasco in Ingersoll, Ontario. Glenn was a member of the ASTM for 10 years as an active participant on the F16 committee on fasteners, setting and revising fastener standards for the industry.
Glenn “retired” to Sedona, Arizona, and found retirement too sedate. Stopping in Phoenix to visit Ron Clarke at Valley Forge, he offered his services in any capacity. This was the start of his “retirement” career. Contributing his valuable experience and unselfish time to the growth of Valley Forge for the past 16 years. Glenn was a guiding force on Valley Forge & Bolt’s Board of Directors.
Sixty years after starting in the fastener industry, Glenn continued to bring wisdom and initiative to the industry through his service on the ASTM and other committees and as a resource to one and all. His guidance, passion and depth of knowledge will be greatly missed. In an industry full of “big characters”, Glenn definitely stood out, big personality, booming voice and generous heart.
While history shows many of Glenn’s accomplishments, those who know him would be quick to add that he was an honor and a pleasure to work with. Always eager to help with a challenge, quick to offer input and lessons learned. Mr. Snowberger’s guidance at Valley Forge will be missed by many from our production floor to the rest of the Board of Directors. Glenn’s advice, wisdom, appreciation for a good glass of wine and great conversations cannot be replaced.
Glenn is survived by his three daughters and five grandchildren. Please share any fond memories or comments that may interest his family in the box below.
In his own words – an article that Glenn wrote for the VF website: https://www.vfbolts.com/guest-anecdotes-president-2016-edition/
