He was known as the “mayor of North Lawrence.”

For decades, Charles R. “Bob” Snow, of 876 Oak St., was known for his visits in the community.

Whether it was in the garden, on a bicycle ride or sitting in front of his garage, he could carry on a conversation. He’d pass along wisdom with his wit sprinkled in.

Except for his four years in the Army in Europe as a surgical technician during World War II, Snow lived in North Lawrence his entire life.

“This is a good place, with good neighbors,” Snow said in a 2006 interview. “I like to sit out here and see the people come by. Without people, you’d be in a world of trouble.”

Snow, 87, died Saturday at his home.

Longtime North Lawrence residents say they will deeply miss his candor and generosity. Snow retired in 1983 after working more than 30 years at the then-FMC plant, which is now ICL Performance Products, 440 N. Ninth St.

For several years after he retired, Snow would ride his bicycle daily around North Lawrence and check in on people.

“I mean, he touched the whole neighborhood,” said Ted Boyle, president of the North Lawrence Improvement Association.

Snow also did his best to organize community gatherings and dinners for lonely families around the holidays.

Pat Ross, whose family operates Nunemaker-Ross Farms and Bismarck Gardens bordering North Lawrence, said Snow had a common-sense approach to things.

He also cared deeply about North Lawrence, especially after growing up there and living through the 1951 flood, Ross said.

“You could go and visit with him, and you always felt better when you left him,” Ross said.

Snow’s wife, Margaret, survives, of the home. A daughter, Janice L. Prager, and four grandchildren also survive.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today at Memorial Park Cemetery.

“If you lived in North Lawrence for any amount of time, you knew or knew about Bob Snow, and it was all good stuff,” Boyle said. “We lost an institution. He was one of those guys.”