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1941
2018
Alvin Leroy Skeels, a lifelong resident of the Colville, WA, area passed away on Sept. 22, 2018, in Colville at the age of 76. Al was born on October 25, 1941, in Addy, WA, the son of Harvey and Nellie R. (Marlett) Skeels. There were a total of 10 children in Alvin's family.
He was raised on the family farm where he learned, early in life, the value of a long day's work. He continued to embrace these values and left school after eighth grade to work in the timber industry. Al worked for Arden Tree Farms, Vaagen's and other's until he branched out on his own with "Al Skeels Logging". Al married Nancy Jean Benson on March 19, 1962, and they had two children, Cheryl and Catherine. In 1967, he married Linda "Lynn" L. Bader-Miller and they shared a life together that lasted over 40 years. Al's work in the woods not only included harvesting and hauling trees but extended into building roads and making fire lines to reduce the spread of active forest fires. His Cat "bulldozer" could often be found at community construction projects, neighboring driveways and providing land and snow moving service to family, friends and neighbors. Al retired due to increasing physical challenges in 2013. His retirement gave him the ability to travel which he had enjoyed for the past 4 years. He traveled with his companion, Kathy Dimas.
Al's love for the outdoors continued into his time "off-work" fishing and hunting when he could. He also was a collector of older and antique cars. He enjoyed sharing the beauty of these cars in the local parades and on occasion even shined up and paraded his log truck in place of an antique automobile. n his younger years, he was also active with the volunteer ambulance crew. Described by his family as "quietly outspoken" and was quite a joker. He savored both quiet moments of reflection and social gatherings often holding a cocktail in hand in each occasion. Al also visited the local casino's trying to converse with Lady Luck and took great pride in thinking "outside the box" when approaching challenges.
Al was a longtime member and past board member of the Eagle's Aerie #2797 in Colville and belonged to Kiwanis and the Hoo Hoo International.
He was preceded in death by his second wife, Linda "Lynn" Skeels, three grandchildren, Robert Hanson, Cody Dave and infant grandson, Shane; brothers, Chester Skeels, Denny Skeels, and Donny Skeels; sisters, Donna Cunningham and Mona Tweedy.
He is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl M. Roberts of Spokane, WA, and Catherine Brewer of Spokane, WA; grandchildren, Tairra Brandon, Rachelle Sitek, Johnathon Skeels and David Bishop; great grandchildren, Riley, Ryder and Jordan; three brothers, Tommy Skeels (Vicky) of Lewiston, ID, Timmy and Randy Skeels of Colville, WA; sister, Annette Watson of Loon Lake, WA.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 6th at the Colville Eagle Aerie #2797 in Colville, WA, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring a side dish and special memories to share with others. Memorial contributions may be given to Danekas Funeral Chapel to assist with his final care. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Colville.
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Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Colville155 W First Avenue, Colville, WA 99114
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