John Skov Obituary

John Skov A fifth-generation San Franciscan, John died Sunday after a brief but valiant struggle with acute leukemia. He was 72 years old. A great grandson of Domingo Ghirardelli on his mother's side of the family, he grew up and attended public schools in San Francisco's Richmond district before moving to Marin County and graduating from Drake High School. He received his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Stanford University. He was a lifelong champion of public education, and all three of his children attended schools in the SFUSD. In 1960, he married his college sweetheart, another native San Franciscan, Susan Smith, and together they raised three children: Carrie Morgan (Chris); Peter Skov (Terri); and Andy Skov (Narda). While he was employed at Zellerbach Paper Company, the family lived briefly in Washington state and Louisiana, but mostly made their home in the City. He and Susan, who died in 1991, enjoyed thirty years together. In addition to their three children, John was the proud Grand Poobah to his nine grandchildren: Ian, Stuart, Shayne, Patrick, Olivia, Annika, Natasha, Dylan and Daniela. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff; sister, Judy; Jacqueline Jones; nieces and nephews; biking buddies and a large legion of colleagues and friends. John's professional life was centered around labor relations. His coming of age, however, occurred during the transformative era of the late 60's and 70's. He often described his career path as "growing up on the management side, but eventually gaining a greater appreciation for the labor side." For years, his recreational time was spent on his bicycle, exploring the neighborhoods of San Francisco, the back roads of Marin and on long distance rides throughout the West. He also spent a considerable amount of time recovering from bike-related injuries! Contributions in John's memory may be made to the San Francisco SPCA, 2500 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, or a charitable organization of your choice. Friends are invited to a Memorial Service to be held on Monday, September 13, at 5:30 pm, at the Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse, 300 Finley Road at Arguello Gate, San Francisco 94129.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 9 to Sep. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Skov

9 Entries

Don Kuemmeler

September 15, 2010

I will always remember how generous John was with his time with me. As a young adult John served as mentor to me and we enjoyed many nice lunches together where he counseled my on life and business matters. A true first class individual. I offer my condolences to the Skov family.

Lou Maunupau

September 13, 2010

Hey Pete,

I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Had I known about his service today I would have come but only found about it this evening. Your Dad was a great guy & your lucky to have had him as your father. God bless him & your family & I know that he's reunited with your Mom. Love Olive, Daisy, Ilze, & always your friend Lou

Jerry Warren

September 13, 2010

John,
On to the next bike ride. We had so many rides together-the Davis Double where you spent the day in the Davis hospital recovering from a major accident, Death Valley by moonlight, and all those rides around Marin County. So long my friend.

Bart Gripenstraw

September 12, 2010

I first met John through my mother-in-law, Jerry DiVecchio. I remember being instantly drawn to him and his great personality. Later, as I dug deeper into my family genealogy, I made the connection to the Ghirardelli family. He and I walked areas of SF talking history and enjoyed learning from him. He will be missed.

Bart Gripenstraw

Bill Purcell

September 11, 2010

My wife, Jan, and I have known John since our high school days at Drake High. We were long time teaching colleagues during our high school and college days at Paul Daly's Swim School and I can't get the image out of my mind of him in his straw hat, white lips and white nose during those delicious youthful days at Daly's. Always a character, always a studly guy, always smooth, smart and loyal, one of a kind in many ways. The big laugh lingers in our ears. To John's children, to Jeff and Judy and Paula and to his many, many friends and fans, our heartfelt condolences. Bill and Janet Purcell

Susan Barton

September 10, 2010

Chicago Fats is very sad today.
But I hope to stay part of San Fran's 6th and 7th generation...
Much love and sincere condolences to all of you.
xo-
Susie Barton

September 9, 2010

John and I were fraternity brothers at Stanford. He was always a great and generous friend. His positive attitude was infectious to those around him and he will be missed by many.
Bob Cockayne (St. Thomas, USVI)

Kevin Dufficy

September 9, 2010

John and Susan were very much part of my life (and my sisters') as we were growing up in Marin in the 70's and 80's. John's incredible positive attitude and great personality made him a magnet for the kids, and we always considered him our favorite of our parent's friends.

From house sitting in Marin, to the wild parties at Sheep Ranch, John was always present in my family's life, and he will be greatly missed.

Our condolences go out to his family, especially Carrie, Peter and Andy.

Julia Frink

September 9, 2010

I knew John for a very short time when he contacted me to care for his dog Mollie while he recovered from a biking injury. His enthusiasm, optimism and warmth touched me. In that short time, he loved to share stories about his family. He was very proud of his grandson who played football at Stanford and looked forward to attending the games this fall.
He seemed to enjoy hearing stories of other people's lives and was curious about what makes them tick.
I, as was my crew caring for Mollie, were saddened and shocked to hear of his death.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Julia Frink

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