It is with regret that we inform you of the death in Herbert House, Freshfield, Liverpool on Saturday, 23rd November 2024 at 1 PM, aged 89 years, of
Brother Bernard Theodor (Ben) Snelder
Mill Hill Missionary
May he rest in peace
Ben, as we knew him affectionately, was born on the 8th of May 1935, in Oosterbeek, in the Diocese of Utrecht in the Netherlands. He was born into a family with one brother and three sisters. His father was John Snelder, a shopkeeper, and his mother’s maiden name was Beekman.
The Brother’s Formation Programme for Ben took place mainly in our College at Tilburg in the south of Holland. While his formation was taken care of in-house, he also ventured to local centres of education to familiarise himself with carpentry, bricklaying, and house painting—practical skills that would serve him well in supporting missionary works. Around the time of his Perpetual Oath, he returned to our Mill Hill house in Oosterbeek, not far from his family home, in 1960. He took his Perpetual Oath on Saint Joseph’s Day in the Chapel of Oosterbeek, the 19th of March 1960.
By July 1960, Ben received a “Mission” appointment to Herbert House, our Home of Retirement, in Freshfield, Liverpool. Very quickly, he became an indispensable member of the care staff there. He was of particular, helpful assistance to the Sisters (FMSJ’s) who cared for our retirees. Ben quickly built up a great rapport with the residents, Sisters, and lay staff. Around the house, and especially in the extensive garden, Ben made a valuable contribution, which was much appreciated in the spring and summer months. During his time at Herbert House, Ben was not idle. His work in maintenance, decorating, and gardening contributed greatly to the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for the residents, staff and the many visitors passing through. He pursued several Renewal Courses: Jerusalem in June 1970, Dublin in 1980, and a longer course at Ecce Home, Jerusalem, from 1989-1990. In 1979, Ben also followed a year-long Nursing Assistant Course with the Brothers of Saint John of God at Scorton, near Darlington. All these experiences helped to encourage and enthuse Ben.
Ben’s only “foreign” appointment, apart from visiting relatives or friends abroad, was in 1993, when he was asked to escort one of our sickly Fathers back home to England from the Philippines. Sadly, Ben’s delicate health and his valuable contribution to the life of the Herbert House community prevented him from having a longer appointment on the missions.
In 2016, he requested the General Council to regularise his appointment for retirement at Herbert House, Freshfield. He continued to be of service in the community while on retirement. By July 2020, Ben celebrated sixty years of working at Herbert House in Liverpool. This must surely be a record-breaking “term of office” in any appointment. Ben’s hobbies throughout his many years at Herbert House were photography and horticulture. His residence was always most colourfully festooned with blooms. He enjoyed listening to music and watching TV in the evening. Ben kept in touch with his native Netherlands via internet radio, always tuned to a Dutch station. Ben was always a happy man.
Due to old age and the physical ailments that came with it, Ben could no longer join others for meals in the community dining. He received excellent care in his room. On Saturday, 23rd November, he returned to the Lord peacefully.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21
Funeral arrangements will be published through the Society website when available.
