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 Happy fronts sometimes hide depths of sadness, and everybody deserves kindness and belonging.
the quintessential, endearing Paul we know and love.
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!
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Lynn William Giles
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2010
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Dec 2014
Paul loved his mother’s delicious baked potato soup. This memory was at the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert where the Muppets featured. What a wonderful smile this gentle giant shared
I didn't know Jamal, I just happened to be looking through obituaries and stumbled upon this one. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jamal at this difficult time.
Also just wanted to add that I appreciate the way his obituary was written, all too often the most loving people on the outside are the ones struggling fiercely on the inside.
I didn't know Jamal, I just happened to be looking through obituaries and stumbled upon this one. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jamal at this difficult time.
Also just wanted to add that I appreciate the way his obituary was written, all too often the most loving people on the outside are the ones struggling fiercely on the inside.
I didn't know Jamal, I just happened to be looking through obituaries and stumbled upon this one. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jamal at this difficult time.
Also just wanted to add that I appreciate the way his obituary was written, all too often the most loving people on the outside are the ones struggling fiercely on the inside.
Paul was so fun and funny to be around. I loved talking football and sports with him during the time our families were neighbors. My most sincere condolences to your family.
Paul was so fun and funny to be around. I loved talking football and sports with him during the time our families were neighbors. My most sincere condolences to your family.
This breaks my heart, and I am truly very sorry to read about such a beautiful soul leaving too soon. We need more people walking this Earth like him...what a better place it would be. Thank you for sharing his legacy and the message to be kind. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and believe in an afterlife; that provides peace in knowing that you will be reunited--I hope his family, friends and acquaintances feel the same so that comfort embraces you all in knowing this is just temporary. Love to all!
This breaks my heart, and I am truly very sorry to read about such a beautiful soul leaving too soon. We need more people walking this Earth like him...what a better place it would be. Thank you for sharing his legacy and the message to be kind. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and believe in an afterlife; that provides peace in knowing that you will be reunited--I hope his family, friends and acquaintances feel the same so that comfort embraces you all in knowing this is just temporary. Love to all!
I was looking at obituaries on ksl and saw this. I lost my daughter last year in March. I am so sorry for what you and your family is going through losing your child/brother/Uncle or cousin. My sincere condolences go to you and I pray for you and your family to find peace during this time. I will keep Jamal in my prayers tonight.
From,
another person who lost her daughter to suicide.
I was looking at obituaries on ksl and saw this. I lost my daughter last year in March. I am so sorry for what you and your family is going through losing your child/brother/Uncle or cousin. My sincere condolences go to you and I pray for you and your family to find peace during this time. I will keep Jamal in my prayers tonight.
From,
another person who lost her daughter to suicide.
May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him.
I am praying for you and your family. I pray for comfort and peace. I didn’t know Paul, but he was a good looking kid. If I can do anything let me know!
Love ya’ll.
I had Thanksgiving dinner with Paul and the Snells in Utah a few years ago. I was seated by Paul; he kept me laughing with a smile on my face throughout the meal. Even when I saw him as a baby back east, he was friendly and a happy little boy. I will miss him and am sorry for the suffering and pain he was dealing with.
I had Thanksgiving dinner with Paul and the Snells in Utah a few years ago. I was seated by Paul; he kept me laughing with a smile on my face throughout the meal. Even when I saw him as a baby back east, he was friendly and a happy little boy. I will miss him and am sorry for the suffering and pain he was dealing with.
We remember Paul at our first Thanksgiving in Michigan. He made it a joyful, witty one. Wish we could have spent more time with him in the ensuing years.
We remember Paul at our first Thanksgiving in Michigan. He made it a joyful, witty one. Wish we could have spent more time with him in the ensuing years.
We remember Paul at our first Thanksgiving in Michigan. He made it a joyful, witty one. Wish we could have spent more time with him in the ensuing years.