FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
David Roy Skeen
05/22/1938 — 07/24/2013
From Pasco, WA, US | Born in La Grande, OR
David Roy Skeen
David R. Skeen passed away on July 24, 2013. He was born in La Grande, Oregon on May 22, 1938, to Roy and Ruby Skeen. His father was a cattle rancher/college professor and his mother was a teacher.
In 1956, Dave Graduated from La Grande High School and subsequently attended Eastern Oregon College and Oregon State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education 1960, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering 1966, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Engineering 1971. His career in the nuclear industry extended over 30 years and included employment as an engineer and manager with Exxon Nuclear and Energy Northwest. On August 30, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, lifelong companion and friend, Sharon Hill. She was his support as he finished his education and together they started and raised a family. Since 1970, Dave and Sharon have lived in the Tri-City area.
For many years, Dave and his wife were committed members of Central United Protestant Church where they served the Body of Christ working with the Kenya missions program, and traveling several times to the East African nation to assist in building and education projects; such as, establishing the Kenya Methodist University. Dave was also a great singer, and loved being a part of worship. Later, Dave and Sharon attended Calvary Chapel in both Kennewick and Pendleton, Oregon, continuing to serve the Lord there.
Dave was a committed husband, father, and grandfather. He had a steady giving nature, and was always available when needed with a kind word, helpful hand, or listening ear, making sure that other people's needs were met before his own. He was also a great administrator, organizer and completer of projects, and no matter what he did, he always seemed to end up in this role; especially, when it came to family projects. Dave worked and played hard, and after a project was over, he was ready for a good hand of pinnacle or a tussle on the floor with his grandkids.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ruby Skeen and his sister Marilyn Muller. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sister, Joan Lynch; his three children, Terri Barnhart, Stephani Hopfer, and Rodney Skeen; six grandchildren; and three of the sweetest great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed, but rests securely with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 3, at Tri-Cities Calvary Chapel, 10611 West Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA.
Dave was a good friend. I did not realize he had passed away. He was involed in Central Church projects.
Hello Sharon–
I am very sorry to hear about David. I wish you the very best.
With my empathy–
T–
We thank God for sharing Dave with us with our service in Kenya. He was a great mentor and a very loving person.
Hello Sharon–
I am very sorry to hear about David. I wish you the very best.
With my empathy–
T–
We thank God for sharing Dave with us with our service in Kenya. He was a great mentor and a very loving person.
Dave was a very special friend. We were true “Brothers in Christ”. It was Dave’s inspiration, leadership, prodding, pushing and mentoring that got me as involved in church leadership as I became. It was through Dave’ s pure determination and stubbornness that Kenya Methodist Univeristy was able to come into existence. Starting with just a idea, Dave put together a team he thought could make a dream a reality. I was proud to be part of that team. Dave and I traded leadership of the team as the situation required. We traveled to Kenya together on several occasions. There were many times when it seemed the project would fail and it was Dave’s shear determination that moved it forward. KeMU now has over 12,000 students and is one of best universities in Africa. Dave has always been a true inspiration and a powerful man of faith and a true Christian man. I will miss you greatly my friend.
My condolences to Sharon and the kids. I was saddened to hear of Dave’s loss and know he will be greatly missed. He was my neighbor for many years and we had picnics in the back yard – oh what fun and we had good food from the grill. He was always so kind and helpful when needed. Great guy!!!
I had only heard about David when I was working at Exxon and The Supply System. But I was finally lucky enough to meet him when he attended Spelling Camp with his grandson! He shared his knowledge and love of education with all that attended. It was a privilege to have spent some some time with him and his family!
David Skeen has left fingerprints of God’s love in the lives of so many. when he arrived in God’s kingdom, Dave must have been amazed at how God had used him in ways he did not even know. Thanks be to God for a life lived to God’s glory.
I wish I could be there on Saturday to celebrate with you all.
Grace
To Sharon and the kids we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. To Sharon, I don’t know that I have the words to express what Dave’s friendship has meant to me over the years. Not long ago I found a picture of our graduation from Kindergarten about 1944. Though I haven’t been around Dave much for many years, I remember many good things that he did in and around our community that made it a better place for all of us. Again, we are so sorry for your loss. Due to a number of surgeries lately, I can’t travel far yet so we will be unable to attend the services. We will be thinking of you all and our prayers are with you
Hi Sharon, Boy, have I thought about you lots today. Sending lots of thoughts & prayers. David was such a great guy, always was. I don’t know how this came about, but do know he’ll not be in any pain or discomfort now. You were married the same month & year we were. Please know I’m sending lots of love and prayers. Janet Smith, Judd
We are very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. We pray that God may grant you strength in this sad time. Isa. 25:8
Dear Sharon & Family,
I remember David’s beautiful singing voice, and accompanied him on several occasions. His parents were long-time Methodists, and his mom, Ruby, let our youth group. What a wonderful family! Both of his sisters are special to me, too. I miss Marilyn a lot. Many prayers and lots of love to all of you.
Lanetta Paul
Sorry to hear about David but know he is with the Lord in a better place. Haven’t seen you guys since we graduated. Cherie Furgason
I graduated from La Grande High School with Dave and remember him as a thoughtful, fun loving fellow. I’m not at all surprised he made such a positive mark in the world!
Dear Skeen’s family,
Dave departs from this earth never truly leaves, for he is still alive in our hearts and minds, and in the Kingdom of the Lord. Please accept our deepest condolences of your loss, David Skeen, who is our best friend, our best old neighbor in Richland and our best classmate’s father.
Dave was our wonderful friend and I visited him from time-to-time when I was in Richland. Before we moved to Richland, I was invited by the Skeen’s family to have my first Thanksgiving dinner in Richland and also our first Christmas dinner in Richland! Those happy memories last forever in our lives.
I just find this out today when I went through old letters, one Christmas letter of which was sent by Dave in 2011. That reminds me that I should give him a call and then I search the internet for his phone number, and sadly I find out this… .
Dave is now resting in the arms of our Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Gao’s family
Guestbook for
David Roy Skeen