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Hanns SKOUTAJAN
Hanns SKOUTAJAN
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Hanns SKOUTAJAN Obituary
B.A. B.D. D.D. (Queen's University)
Hanns Felix Skoutajan died peacefully on Thursday December 10th, 2015 at the age of 86. Hanns, the son of Felix and Trude Skoutajan, is survived by his spouse and best friend Marlene Skoutajan. He is lovingly remembered by his children Karla and Stephen and their partners Wayne and Elizabeth. His granddaughter Sophia will always remember her Opa's playful spirit and kind heart. Fitting that Hanns, the refugee who came to Canada in 1939 to begin a new life, left us as refugees from Syria landed here to begin their new lives. He said to his granddaughter, "You are born and then you are unborn." He has always believed that endings bring new beginnings. His life-long commitment to social justice was realized through his work as a United Church minister and social activist. In his book Uprooted and Transplanted and a documentary film, Hanns recounted his dramatic journey from Nazi occupied Sudetenland prior to WWII and his search for home. Hanns' reflections on life and living were further documented in his Spirit Quest blog. A celebration of his life will be held at a memorial service on Thursday December 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at MacKay United Church, 39 Dufferin Road, Ottawa, followed by a reception. Friends and family are also invited to a gathering on Wednesday December 16, 2015 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at MacKay United Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Church of Canada – Emergency Response - Syria Relief (www.united-church.ca/syria).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Pete Torunski
May 28, 2024
Pete Torunski, Stittsville.
Quite a man !! I have been "searching" for him for many years , asked many people and finally found links to this page. I enjoyed his occasional refreshing homilies at St John the Evangelist Church, as well as his video of his life story. He told me of the rope tow he helped build on the ski hill at Batawa, the same rope tow I used in the late 70s to teach my 3-year old son to ski when we lived in that area. He was a man of tremendous energy, and I had a great respect for him.
March 8, 2016
Condolences to your family. I met Hanns online a few years back as my father (Alfred Exner) came with his parents on the same boat as Hanns and his family. Hanns was kind enough to autograph his book and send it to me. What a wonderful story he wrote. God Bless his family.
Eldon Hay
February 3, 2016
I have fond memories of Hanns stretching back to days at Queen's. I delighted and marvelled at his bio. A remarkable person, an inspiration to know
Francis Chisholm
December 28, 2015
Condolences to The Skoutajan Family.
Like Hanns,I attended Dollar Academy in Scotland, was received into The United Church of Canada when Hanns was ordained at Bay of Quinte Conference, 1956. met him at a Dollar Academy Reunion in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I appreciated his e-mail blogs.
Rev Dr Francis Chisholm of Hamilton Ontario.
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Kerry Wilson
December 19, 2015
I knew Hanns at the gym. He always dressed in a pair of baggy beige shorts. He'd begin his workout on the stationary bicycle. He kept his head down, his eyes closed, and his legs turning. Suddenly, the timer signalling the end of the session would make a loud DING! He would leap from the seat, stand at attention beside his bicycle and salute! I never tired of this hilarious performance. Hanns was a very funny man. I feel certain he would have been glad I shared this story.
Evelyn Huer
December 17, 2015
I met Hanns at my bookshop in Ottawa, but I recognized his family name. As soon as he found out that I was from Frankford and went to school in Batawa, that he knew my family, even that he went to school with my parents' neighbour created a connection. Over the years our paths would cross at events in the city. I was always amazed that that connection endured...my parents were immigrants, his were refugees and we both shared an understanding of how precious it is to have place, geographic or otherwise, to call "Home".
On behalf of the Huer family, I would like to extend my condolences.
Heather Anderson
December 16, 2015
To Stephen, Elizabeth, and Sophia, our deepest sympathies for your family's loss. We wish you love and light as you celebrate Hanns Skoutajan's life.
Maude Barlow
December 16, 2015
We at the Council of Canadians are very sad to learn of Hanns's passing. He was a wonderful man and a great Council member. We send love to his family.
Jon Peirce
December 16, 2015
A wonderful man--intelligent, wise, funny, and socially committed. He was a splendid writer and a true Christian. Interesting that he appears to have gone back to the United Church in his last years. I knew him at St. John's Anglican Church. He will be sorely missed.
December 16, 2015
Stephen, Elizabeth and Sophia
Our thoughts are with you, your mother, Karla and Wayne, at this most difficult of times. Your father always impressed us with his stories , his spirit and his enthusiasm for life and family. Always so optimistic and engaged, we will remember him fondly. You are all in our thoughts and in our hearts. Much love, Carolyn and Brett
George Dates
December 16, 2015
We sincerely regret the loss of your beloved Hanns.
Kathleen Hunter
December 15, 2015
Our sympathy on the death of a most interesting, good spirited and thoughtful man. I will miss his blog and miss knowing that he is among us lifting up a vision of a better world for our children and grandchildren.
Rinda & Allan Johnstone
December 15, 2015
Marlene, Stephen, & Karla; We were very sorry to hear of Hanns' passing. We enjoyed your company whenever you visited. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Love to you all.
Rev. Whitman Strong
December 15, 2015
To the Skoutajan family: On behalf of all of us at the Montreal & Ottawa Conference Office of the United Church of Canada, I extend my condolences at this sad time. Over the years, Hanns' ministry touched many people and his time with us will be remembered. May your memories of him give you comfort. Please know that all of you are in our prayers.
Marilyn Luscombe
December 15, 2015
Karla and Wayne and family, Deepest condolences from the Luscombe's and the Wicks'. May time and happy memories bring solace. Love you!
December 15, 2015
Hanns came as close to being a true Christian as anyone I knew, A truly fine man!!! John Meisel
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419 St-Laurent, Ottawa, ON K1K 2Z8
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