Tributes flow: Terry Snow a great Canberran, says Barr

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has led tributes to Canberra businessman and philanthropist Terry Snow, who died yesterday aged 80.

Mr Barr called Mr Snow a great Canberran.

“On behalf of the ACT Government, we send our sincerest condolences to the Snow family on the loss of a great Canberran, Terry Snow,” he said.

“Terry leaves behind an incredible legacy that will be long remembered in our city. To his family, at this hard time, we send our deepest sympathy. Terry was an amazing person and lived a remarkable life. Vale Terry.”

The Snow family announced the patriarch’s death in a statement on Sunday with “profound sadness”.

“A remarkable member of the community, Terry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a dedicated philanthropist and businessman whose impact on our city of Canberra and the nation will always be loved,” the family said.

“His legacy is the bold projects he undertook, including the developments at Canberra Airport and Airport Business Parks, Constitution Place, Denman Prospect and [equestrian facility] Willinga Park on the South Coast.

“His unwavering dedication to building outstanding developments reflects a commitment to excellence and quality that will resonate for generations to come.”

But the family said Mr Snow was so much more than a property developer and philanthropist.

He was a family man who sought adventures and immense challenges, packing an enormous amount into his 80 years, its statement said.

“He was an avid fisherman and bushwalker and loved camping with his family,” the family said.

“He was an aeroplane and helicopter pilot, and he took up cycling in his 40s and rode across Australia. He also sailed around Australia. Later in life, he immersed himself in country life, taking up horse riding at 65 years old.”

The statement said Mr Snow was a deeply loved husband to Ginette, father to Scarlett Gaffey, Tom Snow, Georgina Byron, and Stephen Byron, and grandfather to 14 grandchildren, and brother to Michael and George.

“He will be truly missed by his family,” it said.

ACT Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee said she was incredibly saddened to hear about Mr Snow’s passing.

“Terry made an enormous contribution to Canberra and the region,” she said.

“Our city is a better place today because of Terry’s determination, hard work and vision. Sincerest condolences to Terry’s family and loved ones.”

Federal Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh said Mr Snow was a passionate advocate for Canberra.

“He and his family not only reshaped our buildings, but had a huge impact on the nation’s capital through philanthropy,” he said.

Federal Opposition frontbencher Simon Birmingham said Mr Snow earned the high regard of many through his business success, community vision and philanthropic generosity.

“The development of our national capital, aviation sector, equestrian facilities and medical research are some of the many things Terry positively impacted,” he said.

Olympian Robert de Castella said Mr Snow was an incredible contributor to the community.

“Condolences, respect and gratitude on Terry Snow’s passing,” he said.

“We served together post-2003 fires on the recovery taskforce, and I remember his practical, no-nonsense approach to getting things done.”

Charity Hands Across Canberra said Mr Snow was a true philanthropist and citizen of Canberra.

“The Snow Foundation’s extraordinarily generous support for this city sets the highest standard for giving with purpose and passion. May he rest in peace,” it said.

Canberra Grammar School Head Dr Justin Garrick praised Mr Snow’s generosity of spirit and commitment to excellence.

He said Mr Snow’s gifts to his old school – the Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century and the Snow Concert Hall – were among the greatest personal endowments to any school in Australian history.

Dr Garrick said a gruff persona belied a man of deep emotion, intelligence and extraordinary imagination.

“His … legacy is evident in the finest facilities on our campus and in buildings and homes across Canberra that are commensurate to what Terry believed should be the standard of the capital,” Dr Garrick said.

Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said Mr Snow was a city shaper, a great Australian and a legendary contributor to his local community.

“Terry was a business pioneer and, alongside his family, creator of many wonderful places, including Australia’s flagship airport,” Mr Zorbas said.

“Terry leaves the gift of great placemaking for all Canberrans and, equally, an ethos of excellence for us all to aspire to,” he said.

Amalgamated Property Group General Manager and ACT Property Council Division President Phil O’Brien said no one has made a bigger contribution to Canberra.

“He was inspirational, he was a visionary and he has left an amazing legacy for the Canberra community,” Mr O’Brien said.

Canberra PCYC sent its deepest sympathies to Mr Snow’s family and all the staff from The Snow Foundation and Canberra Airport Group.

“Rest in Peace, Mr Snow,” it said.

There were many tributes from the horse riding community, including Tara Madgwick on breednet.com.au, who said that Mr Snow had achieved so many amazing and wonderful things in a long and rewarding life, including his longheld ambition to have an Australian horse and rider compete at the Paris Olympics, realised by Jayden Brown and Willinga Park Quincy B.

NSW State MP Liz Butler said Mr Snow had made significant contributions to not only the Shoalhaven, but to the whole of Australia.

“The Bawley Point community will never forget his generosity – the rebuilding of the Gantry, his support of the Men’s Shed and footpath, installing generators and solar at our Fire Sheds in Bawley and Kioloa and his contribution to the Micro Grid”.