Seneca Nation flags flew at half-staff Wednesday in Irving for former long-time leader Barry Snyder.

Snyder died at his home Tuesday at the age of 79. His family was by his side.

"As anyone would be, certainly sad and emotional but very cognizant of the fact that his life was a life worth celebrating," said Snyder Family Spokesman Phil Pantano.

A close family friend and business associate, Pantano knew Snyder for 15 years.

Pantano called him a man of great influence during Snyder's tenure as Seneca Nation President, Chairman of the Seneca Gaming Board and founder of the Seneca Diabetes Foundation. 

"Both personally and in his various roles…It extended far beyond just Seneca territory. He touched thousands of lives in many different ways. His is a presence that I'm going to miss very much," Pantano said.

Snyder served five terms as President of the Nation.

"He was a formidable advocate and negotiator for the Seneca Nation's positions and extremely successful evidenced by the economic growth associated with the casinos,” said former Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards. “It was his passion for his Seneca Nation people that was at the heart of all that he did. The whole WNY region has benefited from his leadership and commitment and his impact will be felt for a long time into the future."

Current leader Rickey Armstrong says Snyder lead him to public service, describing him as a modern day leader equal to the ancestral predecessors of the past.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown also offered his condolences, calling it a privilege to work with Snyder over the years. The mayor said he will be missed.

“He was a strong leader over his five terms as President of the Seneca Nation and did a lot for all of Western New York, serving the community for over 50 years," Brown said.

Superintendent of Salamanca School's Bob Breidenstein said Snyder had a caring spirit, especially for students and children.

"Service was at the heart of everything my father did. He lived his entire life in service to the people and causes who mattered to him. He served his country, he served the Seneca Nation and the Seneca people, and, above all, he served his family," said his son Scott Snyder.

Calling hours continue on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Addison Funeral Home in Angola.  Funeral services will also be held Friday morning at 10. 

"As sad as we all are to see Barry pass, I think his family recognizes that he had a tremendous impact not only on his family, but on his Nation, on his community. That's a legacy that we should all be so lucky to have," Pantano said.