Sky Schermerhorn

Obituary for Sky Schermerhorn

It is with crushing sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our only child, Sky Schermerhorn, at the age of 50, on August 30, 2024. He has gone to live in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus.

Sky entered the world 6½ weeks early, a beautiful, gifted, and precocious child with twinkling eyes and a bright spirit. From the very beginning, he brought joy, intelligence, and wonder into the lives of those who knew him.

Later in life, at the age of 27, Sky answered a call to serve and joined the United States Army. He served in Baghdad during the war, in one of the most difficult regions. Though he was a warrior, he was also deeply compassionate—a rare soul who combined strength with extraordinary kindness. One general told him that if he ever chose a path, he should be a public speaker, calling him one of the greatest speakers he had ever heard.

Sky had a profound love for nature—oceans, forests, deserts, and all creatures great and small. He was truly a lover of life in every form; he wouldn’t even harm a fly. His compassion extended to animals in a remarkable way. While living in Gold Beach, Oregon, he faithfully rose early every morning for eight years to feed a colony of feral cats at a nearby jetty. He never missed a single day. The cats waited for him, and he cared for them with unwavering devotion until he was no longer allowed to continue.

He shared a special bond with his beloved cat, Pangea, whom he rescued and raised as his companion. Together, they traveled the country in a fully functional van, exploring the landscapes he loved so deeply. Pangea was his pride and joy and constant companion.

Sky was gifted in many ways. He had a natural talent for acting, though he chose not to pursue it professionally. To his parents’ surprise, he also developed a beautiful singing voice over the years, often performing karaoke and leaving audiences in awe. Though his favorite music was heavy metal, he embraced every opportunity to sing and share his gift.

Above all, Sky was a devoted son. The most important people in his life were his Mama and Dad, and his beloved Pangea. As his parents, we could not have asked for a more loving son. He spoke with his parents every single day—without fail—and never missed an opportunity to say “I love you.” We never missed one either. He was handsome, talented, and deeply kind—a gentle soul with a protective spirit, a strong sense of humor, and a heart full of compassion.

Sky lived by a simple but powerful belief: “Love, not fear.” It was more than a phrase—it was how he moved through the world, how he treated others, and how he chose to live his life.

Sky’s passing was caused by bronchial pneumonia, a condition that was asymptomatic and unknown to him and to us. The shock of his loss has been devastating.

He leaves behind his loving and heartbroken parents, Robin Ann Walker and Jerry Schermerhorn, and his wife, Gloria; his Aunt Holly (Robin’s sister) and Uncle Pat Hamilton and cousins Christopher and Amber; his Aunt Cathy and Uncle Kelly and cousins Jennifer and Jessica; his Aunt Opal Schermerhorn (preceded in death by Uncle Steve Schermerhorn) and cousins Steve Schermerhorn Jr. and Missy; and his Uncle Wade and cousins Angela, Lisa, Crystal, Lindsey, Little Wade, and Jessica.

Sky was one of a kind. There will never be another like him.

Love, not fear.