Obituaries for December 17, 2008

John W. Skewes

Sept. 18, 1948 — Dec. 2, 2008

Longtime Columbia resident John W. Skewes died of natural causes Dec. 2 at his home. He was 60.

A native of San Jose, Mr. Skewes lived in Columbia for 32 years. He was a carpenter for 30 years. He was also a Universal Life minister, a member of E Clampus Vitus and a volunteer firefighter. Other interests included backpacking, fishing, reading, gardening and gold panning.

Mr. Skewes is survived by his mother, Dorothy L. Gillespie, of Yuma, Ariz.; siblings, Margaret A. Shelton, of Capitola, Santa Cruz County, Karen L. Gilmore, of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, and F. Kent Skewes, of Beaverton, Ore.; his daughter, Heather Skewes, of Anthem, Ariz.; and a granddaughter, Anna M. Volkmar, also of Anthem.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kali Skewes, in 2008.

No services are planned.

Donations may be made in his memory to Columbia (Elementary) School, 22540 Parrotts Ferry Road, Columbia, CA 95310, the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 654, Sonora, CA 95370, or to the Columbia Fire Department, 11328 Jackson St., Columbia, CA 95310.

Heuton Memorial Chapel handled arrangements.