Robert Hazen Snarr's Obituary
Robert Snarr, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, godfather, uncle, public servant and friend passed away Thursday May 27, 2021.
Robert was born May 16, 1960 in Salt Lake City to William Michael Snarr and Patricia Allam Snarr “Patsy Jean”. He graduated from Brighton High School in 1978 and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration and Counseling. Robert married the love of his life, his beautiful wife Aura Irene Royo-Snarr. He was a devoted father of three children and two son-in-laws Aura Irene Boscan-Lopez (Marcus), Alana Yanell Boscan (Adam), and Eric Alberto Boscan. He was a loving and playful grandfather “Ito” to Jonathan Lopez and Liliana Lopez.
Robert worked in the public mental health system for over 30 years, most recently as the Adult Mental Health Program Administrator for the Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. He provided direct and administrative services related to treatment and managing programs for people with serious mental illness. Robert addressed vulnerable populations from every angle, managing the Utah case manager certification program for several years to address gaps in social determinants of health. He administered the Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals grants, was the Utah Coordinator for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, and served on multiple housing boards and committees creating innovative housing programs and supports for those with mental illness. Robert was the current Chair of the Executive Committee of the Older Persons Division of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and was also on the Board of Directors for the National Association for PASRR Professionals. He ran the PASRR program for mental health, ensuring that vulnerable patients received appropriate care in skilled nursing facilities, and receiving the Governor’s Award for Excellence for Innovation and Efficiency. He developed and directed the Utah Behavioral Health Crisis Counseling program and has provided training for more than 500 crisis counselors. Robert coordinated a Utah team to participate in FEMA training for the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics, served as the Disaster Mental Health Response Liaison for the Olympics, trained U.S. Secret Service in working with people with mental illness, and was awarded the United States Secret Service Certificate of Recognition Award. He has managed the Utah Declaration for Hurricane Katrina, the Utah Crandall Mine disaster, the Trolley Square shooting, and was currently administering the Utah Strong Recovery Project, the Disaster Counseling Program for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert was passionate about spending time with his wife, kids and family. He loved his work, helping others, astrology, music, playing the drums, baseball, traveling, hiking and companionship of his dogs. Robert was the oldest of his five brothers and has a large Irish and Lebanese family with several sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles and aunts. He was very close and proud of each of his brothers. He most looked forward to his weekends with them, celebrating holidays (especially Halloween), birthdays, and life in general. Robert would do anything for his grandkids and was always looking forward to the next adventure with them. These passions made his daily life effortless.
He lived his life to the fullest and accomplished every goal he set for himself. He made a positive impact on everyone. Robert is known for his many accomplishments, ready smile, optimism, and hardworking attitude. A wonderful gentleman, Robert cared for others and made a difference. He taught us all that nothing is more important than living the happy moments in the present. There was no stopping Robert. He will be dearly missed.
A special thanks goes to all of Robert’s lifelong friends, co-workers, neighbors, extended family, and excellent medical providers who have been so supportive, loving, and compassionate throughout his life.
Robert is survived by his wife, children, son-in-laws, and brothers Tony Snarr, Joseph Snarr (Kim), Kelly Snarr (Laurie), and James Snarr, many nephews, a niece, and great-nieces and nephews. His parents and sister (Shannon) preceded Robert in death.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Robert wanted donations made in his name to the following organizations: NAMI Utah, The Road Home, and The Huntsman Cancer Institute.
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