Glen Skidmore Obituary

Glen Ira Skidmore

"Skidmore the Barber"

Glen Skidmore was born in Tacoma, WA, on December 18, 1929. He passed away March 23, 2009. Glen was the second child born to Francis Clark and Rueben Skidmore. He grew with up his older sister, Margie, and two younger brothers, Bert and Ray. As a young man, Glen attended Stadium High School in Tacoma. At 17 years old, he made the choice to serve his country, joining the US Navy. During his service in the Navy, he explored the world aboard the USS Sumner, a naval destroyer. In January of 1952, he was honorably discharged from the Navy, and moved to Humboldt County to begin the rest of his life. He promptly found work with the PG&E Company, extending power lines and poles to the more rural portions of Humboldt County.

On a cold January Night in 1953, Glen met the woman whom he would eventually love for the rest of his life. Elaine Joyce Carlson and he shared their first dance listening to a slow piano song at the Paradise Bar in Eureka. Shortly thereafter, Glen and Elaine exchanged vows and began a family. Along with his new bride, Glen selflessly took upon her five children to raise them as his own. Ivory, Harry, Joyce, William, and Valerie were blessed to have Glen as a father, as he raised them as his own.

On March 30th, 1954, Glen was blessed with a child of his own. Glenda was born to Glen and Elaine, the only child that Glen would ever father. After working various jobs and positions to support his family, Glen chose to attend Barber College in 1955. He left his home for six months while attending college in San Francisco. Upon his return, he began work at the Don Williams Barber Shop near the Plaza in Arcata. After a short internship, Glen ventured out on his own, founding Skidmore’s Barber Shop on south "G" Street in Arcata.

Glen went on to cut hair out of his barber shop for over 5 decades, all the while making new friends and customers daily. Anyone who ever had their hair cut by "Skidmore the Barber" knew that the experience was more than just a hair cut. It was a place where men, young and old, could come together and share friendships and laughs, and talk "huntin & fishin".

For Glen, friends were everything to him. He loved to spend time meeting new people, becoming a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Elk’s Lodge, Moose Lodge, and most recently, a member of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Team.

Throughout his life, Glen shared a wide array of hobbies. Among his many loves was gardening. Every year, his garden flourished with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers. Glen spent countless hours in his back yard, yielding some of the largest and most succulent fruits and veggies anywhere on the north coast. He was possibly most proud of his garlic, which grew more flavorful and bountiful each year.

When he wasn’t working or in his garden, Glen spent his time in the outdoors ,and on our local rivers and streams. As a young man he traveled to Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Canada, and Alaska in search of moose, caribou, elk, and deer. He loved to fish, catching everything thing from Pacific Salmon in the ocean to Blue Gill at Fish Lake. He shared his love and expertise with all his family, imparted his knowledge to all of us. Many meals were provided to family and friends thanks to his love of "huntin & fishin".

And for several months out of the year, Glen packed up his truck and left for hunting camp. Along with his best friends; Frank Klopp, Dino Giannini, Palmer Jensen, Dave Smith and Wiley Smith, he tracked through the North Coast, searching for deer, turkeys, squirrels, and whatever else could run and be shot at. Spending all year long practicing his turkey calls, and reading up on how to down a trophy buck, Glen cherished the day he could leave town to go on the hunt.

Glen Skidmore has been described as "Loving Life". His was kind of heart, strong of will, and was always looking forward to his next opportunity to have fun. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Skidmore, his brother and sisters, his 6 children, and 15 grandchildren.

As the family of "Skidmore the Barber", we invite you to attend Glen’s Memorial Service, being held on Friday, April 3rd at 2:30 pm at the Unity Church, 1619 California St. in Eureka.

We love you Grandpa.

Please sign the guestbook online at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.

Published by Times-Standard on Mar. 28, 2009.
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"Never back up any farther then you have to." -Glen Skidmore.

It was sound advise for anyone who was trying to maneuver a 2-wheel drive Ford pickup with a large camper, and there isn't a day that I dont hear those words as I'm driving around my work vehicle.

There were many things that I greatly admired about my grandpa, but his ability to interact with other people was one of the most impressive. I believe that grandpa was loved by so many due to his ability to listen, and show tremdous enthusiasm for the things that other people talked about. It's what made him a fantastic barber, father and grandfather. He wanted to know about everything. He never tried to be the best, but was not too humble to celebrate the achievments of his friends and family. From time to time, when I run into my grandpa's customers/freinds, I am reminded that my reputation and accomplishments precede me.

Words can't express how much that I miss my grandpa, so I wont try. I would love to share all our stories, but time won't allow. I am sad about our loss, but the only thing I can do now is to countinue trying to make Skid proud, trying to live up to those fish tales.

Cory Crnich

January 25, 2010

glenda crnich

April 11, 2009

To the Skidmore Family- Skidmore as we
knew him gave our son his first haircut
on the Plaza by Bistrins in Arcata. Ken
always talks about going to Skidmore for
a five minute haircut and still sitting in the chair a half hour later. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in these trying times. Ken and Elena David

Ken and Elena David

April 8, 2009

A piece of the "heart of Arcata" died when we lost Glen Skidmore.
Our sympathy and prayers to the family.

Linda Haines-Yaple

April 7, 2009

Dear Elaine and Family,

I am terribly saddened by the loss of Glen. It was an honor to have known him. Glen was always so cheery. I never saw him angry; even when Mary and I “stole” his truck.

We were hunting with him and the guys had shot a dear down near camp. Mary and I were up at the top of the hill with the wind blowing off the cape in 70 mile per hour gusts and we clawed our way to the top of the hill to get Wes and Mary’s truck. But we found we had no keys and the truck was locked. We knew the guys would be skinning at camp for quite a while and decided to see if Glen’s truck was unlocked. Sure enough it was open and we climbed in the cab to keep warm. Then we thought Glen might have a key hidden somewhere and sure enough we found one way back in the ashtray. We drove the truck down into camp.

Glen was sitting next to Wiley at the campfire and they looked up and said, “Who’s that driving into camp.” Then Glen said, “Hey that’s my truck.” He elbowed Wiley in the ribs and said with pride, “By gum them girls hot- wired my pickup.”

That’s just one of hundreds of stories from our happy times with Skidmore at hunting camp. I always remember opening day of hunting season with Skid bringing out his smoked salmon and Elaine’s famous dilly beans. There would be great competitions every time over who would get the last clove of garlic from the jar.

Glen would always help me out with the dishes at hunting camp. He said it was part of his agreement with Elaine that he would do the dishes. Nobody could make a crusty old cast iron skillet shine better than Glen.

You know how you get to choose your friends? Well I think we chose well with Glen. We are so thankful for all the times we shared with Glen. He will be forever missed and remembered.

Love and Blessings
Susan Smith

Susan Smith

April 5, 2009

Dear Elaine and Family,

I am terribly saddened by the loss of Glen. It was an honor to have known him. Glen was always so cheery. I never saw him angry; even when Mary and I “stole” his truck.
We were hunting with him and the guys had shot a dear down near camp. Mary and I were up at the top of the hill with the wind blowing off the cape in 70 mile per hour gusts and we clawed our way to the top of the hill to get Wes and Mary’s truck. But we found we had no keys and the truck was locked. We knew the guys would be skinning at camp for quite a while and decided to see if Glen’s truck was unlocked. Sure enough it was open and we climbed in the cab to keep warm.

Then we thought Glen might have a key hidden somewhere and sure enough we found one way back in the ashtray. We drove the truck down into camp.

Glen was sitting next to Wiley at the campfire and they looked up and said, “Who’s that driving into camp.” Then Glen said, “Hey that’s my truck.” He elbowed Wiley in the ribs and said with pride, “By gum them girls hot- wired my pickup.”

That’s just one of hundreds of stories from our happy times with Skidmore at hunting camp. I always remember opening day of hunting season with Skid bringing out his smoked salmon and Elaine’s famous dilly beans. There would be great competitions, every time, over who would get the last clove of garlic from the jar.

Glen would always help me out with the dishes at hunting camp. He said it was part of his agreement with Elaine that he would do the dishes. Nobody could make a crusty old cast iron skillet shine better than Glen.

You know how you get to choose your friends? Well I think we chose well with Glen. We are so thankful for all the times we shared with Glen. He will be forever missed and remembered.

Love and Blessings
Susan Smith

Susan Smith

April 5, 2009

Dear Elaine,

I am so sad to hear of Glen’s passing. I am glad I got to visit with him over the phone a few weeks ago. He lit up hunting camp for all of us. He will be missed. My children never knew hunting camp without Uncle Skid. There are so many joyous memories connected with our times with Skidmore.

It was an honor to call him my friend. It is hard to express how much I cared for and respected Glen.

I am beset with a bout of melancholy. I tear up every time I think of Glen being gone.

He was a great influence in my life. He expressed such tender care for you Elaine. I hope my marriage is as long and strong as yours and Glen’s.

Thank you so much for sharing his time with us especially during hunting season.

Sue and I used to walk over to the barber shop and all of us Liz and Gayle included would get our hair cut. Hunting season we’d meet up at Bear River or Indian Valley and Glen was a fixture at camp. He always had a story or joke to share with us.

I am glad my uncle Dave was there to say a few words and tell some of the stories from camp. We’ll be telling those stories and many more for a long time to come. There is a place in my heart for you and Glen always. He will be greatly missed but we will continue to share the memories of times that, “Don’t get no better than this.”
Love
Wiley Smith

Wiley Smith

April 5, 2009

I looked forward to those visits with Glen Skidmore in the barbershop. Now, I regret not getting my hair cut more often.

Chip Sharpe

April 5, 2009

Glen Skidmore was a great man, barber, hunting partner and friend. He has been in my life as long as I can remember. In fact the first haircut that I can remember was given to me by Skid. I used to live on F Street and his shop was right around the corner and I stopped in often for an agate or a lollipop even if I wasn’t getting a haircut. He always had a great attitude about life and that constantly showed. He told me many stories of his experiences in life and I always took them to heart. He was a role model to me and I credit my career path in the Navy to Skid. I remember looking forward to going to hunting camp every year with Glen. He was the best hunting partner that a guy could ask for. I miss his hunting and fishing stories, I miss his haircuts, and I miss his dilly-beans. However, his inspiration carries on and the world is a better place because of Glen Skidmore. You will always be in my thoughts and my heart “Partner”.

Gayle Smith

April 4, 2009

I was so sad to hear about Glen's passing, although the setting (a conversation about the best shot for taking turkeys amongst a group of guys at the gun counter at Pro Sport) would have suited him fine.

I will miss his "step on up here pardner" when it was my turn in the cutting chair, his stories and pictures at the return from each hunting outing, and advice ranging from how to keep a girlfriend happy to stalking tactics to where to dig for the best mudworms. Mostly I will miss his good nature and easy smile. Many a day I went in when I didn't really need a cut quite yet, just to have a chat.

My thoughts are with his family and I am thankful for the kindess, memories, and wisdom I recieved from him.

Chris West

April 4, 2009

My uncle Robert Alto (now deceased) or my dad would take me to Skidmore's for haircuts. I remember my dad giving him the customary $5 once and then adding a (then) wopping $5 tip for removing the "hippie mop" off my head. I was about 6 in 1972 or so and my hair was barely more than an inch long.

I remember going to the V&N Burger Bar afterwards. Simpler times and a world away.

What a good guy. My heart goes out to the family all who feel the loss.

Respectfully,

Bruce Thompson

April 3, 2009

Uncle Rudy was a warm and loving person. Some of my fondest memories are of the family crab cioppino feasts he and Aunt Duck prepared. We will miss him.

Mike & Judy Weekly

April 3, 2009

Some of my best hunting memories were with Glen, also many of my first. I remember many yeaqrs of hunting with him on the ranch and out of Hayfork. There were also a few good abalone trips with him. As a youth it was always fun to go into his barber shop and hear the conversations along with look at his giant "rattlesnake" skin on the wall. Even though I never got to see Glen much in the last several years he will be greatly missed.

The Skidmore family will be in my Prayers.

Travis Lock

April 2, 2009

I always enjoyed getting my hair cut at Skidmore's. Had a good time sharing stories about friends in common. He will be missed by family and former customers.

David Kaney

April 1, 2009

Dear Family -
"Skidmore" was a pretty special guy and probably had more friends than anyone I know. If you felt a little punky when you went into his shop, you came out both happy and the best hair cut in town. At 65 now, Glen had been cutting my hair since 1957. In 1959, the year my dad was killed in a car accident, Glen took me out on my first salmon fishing trip out of Trinidad. I too, share in your pain and loss of a GREAT guy.

You and "Skidmore" are in our prayers. Sincerely:

Melvin A. (Skip) Krei

April 1, 2009

Glen was our neighbor for many years on Hoover Street. I will remember him as a kind man with a ready smile who loved his family. My deepest sympathy to Elaine, Glenda and the whole family.

Cecilia Magladry

April 1, 2009

To Mr Skidmore's family, I wish you love and healing at this very sad time. My memory is playing a game of "charades" at Glenda and Jerry's house with Mr and Mrs Skidmore. We had a wonderful time and I was amazed at how much fun Glenda's mom and dad were. Their charm and wit crossed generations. Cory's newspaper tribute to his grandpa was excellent and from the heart. Peace to you all. Lois

lois peterson

March 31, 2009

March 31, 2009

Glen's family can take comfort in the fact that he was known as a
friend and gentleman by all who knew him. He was so great when he gave our first grandson Mathew his first hair cut and a lollipop. Not a tear was shed. What a guy. Our condolences to the family of Glen.

Ted & Monica Heistuman

March 30, 2009

Hey sis I always loved the stories we shared about our dads, we will always keep them in our memories and we will continue to keep them with us always in our walks! Love you and your family tons

Patty and Tyson

March 30, 2009

I will never forget the time Skidmore told frank Wingo and Wally Richman he would cut enything hair. So they brought him a baby piglet dress in a dress. guess what Glen gave him a hair cut. Glen was a great man.

Billy Wingo

March 30, 2009

We just lost another local treasure. Skidmore's mark on Arcata's history reminds us all to live in the moment, because nothing lasts forever. "Of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories that are the most precious."

Ric Warren

March 30, 2009

DEAR MRS SKIDMORE,
I WILL MISS YOUR HUSBAND'S DAILY WALKS PAST MY HOUSE. I'M SURE ANNIE MISSES HIM ALSO, (DARN DOG) SHE ALWAYS BARKED AT HIM UNTIL I STOPPED HIM ONE DAY AND GAVE HIM A LITTLE BAGGIE OF MILK BONES FOR HIM TO "BRIBE" HER WITH, TO STOP HER FROM YAPPING AT HIM. WELL, IT WORKED AND EACH DAY I'D SEE HIM REACH OVER THE GATE AND GIVE HER SOME MILK BONE AND A LITTLE PAT ON THE HEAD, AND THEN HE WOULD CONTINUE HIS WALK. HE ALWAYS SEEMED LIKE A GENTLE MAN, AND FROM WHAT I READ, IM SURE HE WAS AS HE SEEMED. I'M SURE HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL, AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.
SINCERELY, YOUR NEIGHBOR MRS WARD

March 30, 2009

Skid, thanks for the trims, the lollipops, shiny rocks, and tall tales.

Jones

March 29, 2009

I was sad to hear him pass. He was a good friend. I will miss him, but he will never be forgotten.

I will never forget the smile on your face when I told you that I named my son after you like my father before me. 3 generations of Glenn's came to get their hair cut from you. This was one of your favorite stories to tell everyone that came in. We always did have a lot of smiles and laughter.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Glenn W Whitfield

March 29, 2009

Our family was sadden to hear about Glen, he was friends with our family for ever, hair cuts, fishing, etc.(Farris Family)Our thoughts are with the all the familly.

Barbra Cooley

March 29, 2009

god bless your family. skid did all our family hair cuts. did lot of fihing and hunting with him.farris family did lots of things with him to.best of love to your family. loved him. take care.

sherman scarbrough

March 29, 2009

To Elaine and Family of Glen
It was with sadness that we read of Glen's passing. I so enjoyed his company in lodge and the great haircuts along with the "laughter and lies" that always floated around the barber shop group. I am sure he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by all who know him.

With sincere sympathy

Bob & Pat Meyer

March 29, 2009

Dear Elaine, Harry, Glenda, Val, Joyce, Ivory and Bill,

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Glen's death. He truly was a great and very kind hearted man, and he loved life. I have so many fond memories of times spent with him in his garden sharing the joy of his successful crops and relating to his passion for it. The obituary that was written for him really captured the essences of who he was, and I know that he would feel blessed to be remembered with such fondness and admiration. There is such a loss and emptiness in losing someone you love but I know that all of you will store your memories of him in a place in your hearts for the rest of your life. He loved you all very much. Just know that you are all in my thoughts. LIN

Linda Carlson

March 29, 2009

Dear Glenda and family:

With sincere sympathy to you and yours during this time of profound loss,

Lila Bollmann

March 29, 2009

We share your sorrow at the loss of Glen.

Love, Carol, Tom, Ellen and Edith Lee

Carol Lee

March 29, 2009

Our prayers and best wishies go to Mr. Skidmore's family. I can remember as a little boy going to get my hair cut at the shop and getting a lollipop. He would let me have a second one if I helped him sweep up the hair. God bless.

Jason Vieira

March 28, 2009

March 28, 2009

Dear Elaine and family:
My love goes out to you all, growing up across the street from you were very happy times. I know that there is an Angel with a smile on his face looking down at us all now. So many memories that we can share always. God bless you all and know you are loved and in my prayers, I too will miss Glens laughter. Hold on to your memories.

Much Love,

Vivian (Nickols) & Tom Christian

Vivian Christian

March 28, 2009

I was saddened to read of Glen's passing,I remember taking him salmon&tuna fishing on my boat, Shellback, he was a great guy,and I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Phillip Glenn

March 28, 2009

John Peterson

March 28, 2009

Dear Elaine and Family,
My heart goes out to you! I am sitting here looking at photos of Glen and Scotty, when Scotty was a year old. He was quite a man and so generous to everyone. He was a man of intigruity and compassion. Please except my deepest sympathy and remember Glen is in Heaven hunting right now. I will never forget him as long as I live. God Bless You All, Marla

Marla Knight

March 28, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to Glen's family. When our son, who is now in his thirties, was little, he loved to go to Skidmore's Barber shop for his haircut, some good conversation and a lollipop. We are sure that there are many folks in our community who have fond memories of their visits to Skidmore's.

Dan & Sue Harrison

March 28, 2009

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