Leonard was born on January 12, 1948, at Salem Memorial Hospital to Howard and Doris Snodgrass. He attended Dever Conner School and graduated from Albany High School in 1966. He attended Chemeketa Community College and then transferred to Simpson Bible College in San Francisco in 1967, studying music. In 1970, he transferred to the University of Oregon to finish his music education.
Leonard grew up on a mint farm helping his dad and his neighbors. He learned a lot about machinery, and was invaluable to others for the knowledge he had acquired in how to fix things. He also enjoyed working on his 1966 VW bug. Part of life in the country was belonging to the local grange where his parents exposed him to music and dance early in his life.
After finishing at the University of Oregon, he moved to Salem working at the Willamette University until his retirement. He continued his education and earned a Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) license during his 20 years with Willamette furthering his abilities to fix things.
Leonard called for the Braids and Braves Club for nearly twenty years. Unfortunately, he suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away January 9, 2024. Leonard was well known in Oregon square and round dance communities, and certainly missed. The photo below was taken at the Memorial Dance held in Leonard's honor on March 16, 2024, with 125 attending from 23 clubs.
Leonard George Snodgrass
January 12, 1948 - January 9, 2024
Leonard's first love was calling at square dances! He called for over 30 years thoroughly enjoying traveling and meeting new friends. He had a passion for calling at parades, demos, fairs and special events. He was an enthusiastic entertainer with an exceptionally beautiful singing voice. He was even an accomplished yodeler! He was known to slip off the stage during a singing call unaware and just show up in a square as he sang. For nearly 20 years he was the club caller for the Braids and Braves. Leonard was also an accomplished round dancer ever striving to be challenged by higher levels. He enjoyed performing dance demonstrations of a variety of rhythms at the annual Oregon Mid-Winter Festival Showcase of Rounds. He really loved cueing and teaching a variety of rhythms, and truly desired to encourage and inspire new dancers.
He leaves behind his younger brother Ralph of Fairbanks, Alaska, stepsister Alice of Minnetonka, Minnesota, daughter Jennifer of Phoenix, Arizona, son Greg (Micah) of Houston Texas and grandsons Tate and Tyler. He also precedes a vast family of friends and dancers who admired him, his loyal fans, as well as a few extra special dance partners near and dear to his heart.
Kevin Matthew Steward
September 5, 1996 - November 28, 2025
Kevin Matthew Steward passed away suddenly in his sleep November 28, 2025, at the age of 29.
Kevin was born September 5, 1996, in Fortuna, California. When he was two, Kevin moved to Newberg, Oregon, and lived there until he moved to Lafayette, Oregon when he was 17. In 2015, he graduated from Newberg High School. He competed in cross country and track all four years of his high school career. Kevin participated in a Transition to Adulthood program at McMinnville High School, and was able to convert his modified diploma to a standard diploma. He graduated from McMinnville High School in 2018.
In June 2017, Kevin was hired as a deli clerk at Albertsons in McMinnville. He worked there until his death. Kevin loved his job and his co-workers, best friends, and Number 1’s from Albertsons. He looked forward to going to work every day. He had a greeting and smile for everyone.
Kevin was kind, polite, friendly, and genuine with everyone around him. Although autism played a role in his life, it never prevented him from trying anything he wanted. He was a true “Beaver Believer,” and wore only OSU Beaver gear. He loved 1990s country music. He went to square dances three times a month and was a member of McMinnville’s Braids and Braves, and the Independence Wagon Wheelers.
Charles “Chuck” Worthington
July 9, 1944 - April 15, 2026
Charles “Chuck” Eddie Worthington, passed away on April 15, 2026, in McMinnville, Oregon, with his wife Trena by his side. He was 81 years old.
Chuck was born on July 9, 1944, in Bell, California, to Charles Joe and Betty (Stears) Worthington. Growing up, Chuck was known as “Eddie” by his family. He had a strong connection to his dad’s family in Washington state. He had fond memories of going on a trip, with his aunt, to see his dad in Alabama.
As an adult, he went by the name “Chuck.” After high school, he spent four years in the navy. Then he went to college to become a Psychiatric Technician. This path led him to a fulfilling career, spanning 32 years, at state hospitals and developmental centers. He was a care-taker who worked with handicapped and developmentally disabled people.
He took pride in his work, and was very honest and punctual.
Chuck worked as a shift supervisor, for most of those years, demonstrating leadership and care, for both his residents and staff. He learned sign language to better communicate with residents and served as a CPR instructor. He strived to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
After retiring in 1999, he moved to Yamhill, Oregon, and drove school bus in Yamhill for 13 years. He really enjoyed the kids and had fun interacting with them. He often received note (and sometimes cookies) from parents, thanking him for driving their kids. He was also respected by the other drivers and developed friendships with them.
Chuck’s personal life was equally rich and vibrant. Chuck met Trena while working at the Stockton Developmental Center. Trena invited him to take square dance lessons with her. Chuck said yes, and discovered that he really enjoyed dancing.
Chuck and Trena met in 1981 and got married on September 8, 1984. Their shared passion for dancing became a cherished part of their lives together. They continued dancing throughout their 41 years of marriage, creating countless joyful memories along the way. For 14 years they were members of the Braids and Braves square dance club in McMinnville. When Chuck could no longer dance, due to renal failure, he would still go to the square dances, to visit friends, and he always made the coffee.
Chuck was known for his warm smile and friendly manner that endeared him to others. His friendliness was expressed by always offering a handshake or hug. This was a simple expression of his kind and loving nature.
He is survived by his wife, Trena; daughters, Elise, Shawn, and Eryn; brother Joe; sister Tirene; aunt Glenys; his mother-in-law, Farrel; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
