Tyler Snead, 32, executive director of the Augusta Canal Heritage Area died unexpectedly on Jan. 14.
Funeral services were held at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member.
Snead was tapped to succeed Dayton Sherrouse as Canal Authority executive director of the Augusta Canal Authority in February of last year.
The authority released the following statement, which reads in part:
“(Snead) will be remembered for his grand smile, enthusiasm and his heartfelt desire to continue making the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area remain the vital recreation area it has been for Augusta,” the statement reads. ”We truly lost a great leader to our community. His work will continue to influence the canal’s future. The canal staff and board are very proud of Tyler and will miss him greatly.”
MORE: Columbia County School District Spelling Bee announces w-i-n-n-e-r-s
The athletically-minded outdoorsman was also heavily involved in the Brynwood Swim Club which had this to say in Snead’s official obituary:
“(Snead’s) death has left a deep void, as he was a cornerstone of the club’s activities and growth for many years. Tyler Snead was more than just a board member at Brynwood; he was a driving force behind many of the club’s initiatives,” the statement read.
A lifelong Augustan, Snead was an alumni of Aquinas High School and Augusta University. He served as a board member of the Irish American Heritage Society, Knights of Columbus – Patrick Walsh Council, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Summerville Augusta University Alumni Board, and held several leadership positions of the Augusta Rugby Club.
MORE: FreshTake Grocery to open Monday
Snead is survived by his wife Kaylee Key Snead and daughters, Violet Vaughan Snead and Eleanor Anne Snead.
According to the Augusta Canal Heritage Area’s Facebook page, the board will hold a special called meeting Jan. 17 to move forward with a search for a new executive director.
