John Skoor

John SKOOR Father, husband, friend, artist, and Community of Christ lay minister-died Oct. 23, 2006 when he was swept away by a rogue wave associated with Tropical Storm Paul while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with his wife, his sister, and his sister's husband. His body was recovered on Oct. 26 by Mexican naval personnel searching the water near Playa Sospiro, about ten miles north of the site of the tragedy. John was born Dec. 14, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, Wash. He graduated from Cleveland High School in Seattle in 1958 and attended both Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and Central Washington University in Ellensburg for his undergraduate work in art and education. He also earned a Masters of Arts in Fine Arts from Central Washington University. For many years John had a home studio in Seattle. Before retiring, he served as adjunct faculty teaching art at Central Washington University and Seattle Pacific University. He also served as faculty at Highline Community College and Green River Community College. Most recently he taught for Seniors Making Art, a nonprofit organization dedicated to "enhancing lives through creative expression" for senior citizens in the Puget Sound area. John faithfully served the Community of Christ as a lay minister and was an active member of the Rainier Valley and Renton, Wash. Community of Christ congregations. His wife of 34 years, Susan, is a member of the church's Council of Twelve Apostles, the leading missionary body of Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, MO. She has administrative supervision for the western third of the United States. John and Susan's home is in Renton. John and Susan are the parents of two married daughters: Marie, married to Jonathan Shipley, residents of Maury Island; and Christie, married to Christian Skoorsmith, residents of West Seattle. They are also the proud grandparents to Marie and Jonathan's daughter, Grace. John's extended family includes many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Seattle area. His mother, Marie Skoor, and sister, Patricia Sizemore, live in Auburn. His brother, Bob Skoor, and sister, Debbie Fenske, reside in Moses Lake. Though his life's work was in the arts, his true love was his family and friends. His enthusiasm and positive energy was felt by all, and his love of life will live within those who knew him. The Memorial Service will be held 4:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at First United Methodist Church, 2201 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056. Due to limited parking, please park at the Renton Community of Christ Church, 701 Monroe Ave NE, Renton WA 98056. A shuttle service will be available to transport attendees from the Community of Christ to the First United Methodist Church and back. A juice and cookie reception will follow at the Community of Christ Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Seniors Making Art, 16040 Christensen Rd, Ste 316, Seattle 98188; or to Outreach International, PO Box 210, Independence MO 64051.