Paul (Jamal) Cameron Snell, born January 2nd, 2000, died from chronic sadness September 12th, 2023. He’s survived by his brothers Braden and Steven and his parents Bill and Susan. Paul’s battle with depression was long and fraught, but from the outside looking in you’d never have known.

Paul’s love of movies sat just below his exuberance for basketball. His contagious enthusiasm turned even Susan into a well-versed fan of the sport. Before basketball it was football that captured Paul’s attention - sometimes to the chagrin of teachers who wanted his studies to do the same. One enterprising instructor even recruited an NFL star to make a personal appeal to teenage Paul that, NFL aspirations notwithstanding, school still carried importance. Quick witted and ever joking, Paul replied: “I guess I’ll have to go into the NBA instead.” Conversation with Paul frequently featured quips such as this.

Paul had a lot to excitedly say about a lot of things you’ve likely never even considered: such as the demeanor of honey badgers or the venom of black mamba snakes. He frequently posed questions about which superhero or animal kingdom member was strongest or fastest and eagerly provided his own well researched opinions - sometimes barely able to get the words out through his own laughter at the hilarity of the idiosyncratic matchups. His affection for rap and Frank Sinatra, small dogs and big shoes, the Fast and the Furious and the Polar Express, his homemade artisan sandwich inventions and affinity for 3am fast food, his impressive NBA2K stats, consistent determination to make 5am shifts at work, and unwavering loyalty to friends and especially his mother Susan, all speak to the quintessential, endearing Paul we know and love.

“Happy fronts sometimes hide depths of sadness, and everybody deserves kindness and belonging.”

At 6’3”/290lbs he was a big man, with a big laugh, and a big heart. His departure leaves a big wake in the lives of those who knew and loved him. To the reader who wants to make a positive difference in the world: know that big men can still be soft hearted, know that happy fronts sometimes hide depths of sadness, and know that everybody deserves kindness and belonging. Paul is and always will be deeply loved and missed.

A memorial service will be held in Paul’s honor at 10:30am MT Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 10390 Alpine Hwy, Highland, UT 84003.

Zoom Link for Memorial Services: https://zoom.us/j/92987860425

All are welcome. We love you Paul!