Harry "Bagger" Skirm

1954 - 2019

BORN

1954

DIED

2019

About

University of South Carolina

Harry Skirm Obituary

Harry Edmund Skirm 9/8/54 - 2/8/19 Harry "Bagger" Skirm was unexpectedly killed in a fatal car accident the morning of Feb. 8 in Wisconsin. A dedicated aviator, husband, and father, he was 64 years old. Born to Navy Cmdr. George Louis Skirm Jr. and Rosemary Bradford Skirm, Harry was the fourth of six children in a nomadic family. He graduated from a Department of Defense high school in Yokosuka, Japan and got his bachelor's in mathematics from the University of South Carolina. Harry served as a Navy pilot from 1976-1985. He was assigned to the USS Midway, flying the A-7 with VA-93, and later to China Lake, California, as a test pilot for the F/A-18 with V-X5. There he met his wife, Stacy, and they were married at McChord Air Force Base in 1984. They raised their three children in Puyallup, WA. In 1985 Harry was hired by Northwest Airlines, mainly flying the B747, and in 2009 he transitioned to Delta, later flying the A350. Harry purchased a Cirrus SR22T aircraft in 2015, becoming a dedicated member of the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association and C2A. Harry valued education: he was a parent volunteer and founded three scholarships. He will always be remembered for his warm heart, big smile, and love of a good joke. He is survived by his wife, Stacy Fenton-Skirm; his three children, Briana Kelly, Logan Skirm, and Brittany Skirm; his siblings, Kathleen Woodhouse, Capt. George Skirm III, Rosemary Hellene, Michael Skirm, and Elizabeth Skirm, MD; and his extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Tailhook Educational Foundation toward the "LCDR Harry & Stacy Skirm, Defying the Odds Scholarship" (www.tailhook.net/donate-now).

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Mar. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Skirm

6 Entries

Brian Lowery

November 22, 2019

I too knew Harry when I was a Freshman at USC and lived on the 5th Floor of Snowden Tower Dorm. If I remember correctly, his room was right across from the elevator and I always remember him smiling and/or laughing about something when the doors opened and you could see him in his dorm room. He was a little bit of a jokester/trickster/prankster and he loved to sound his Diving Klaxon at all hours of the day. Will always remember that!

My belated condolences to his family.

Joe Calcutt

November 22, 2019

I knew Harry as he lived on our dorm floor at the University of South Carolina. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was always a great guy to spend time with. I also appreciate the service of him and his family (multi-generational to the country while in the Navy. Harry had relayed his Navy background as we got to know each other. My condolences to his family. It speaks to him as I carry fond memories of him 45 years later.

Charles Tupper

November 21, 2019

Harry was a friend from University of SC, we both lived on the 5th floor of "Snowden" Tower dorm. Harry was a funny guy. He had a USN Sub klaxon (the old "DIVE, DIVE, DIVE" horn that you heard in the movies) ... he'd set the horn up in the hall or drop it down the elevator and fire it off. Such a great guy. We made contact a few years back when he flew A350s. Sad to hear the news. RIP, Bagger.

Harry (2d from left) at the 21 Nov 1975 Carolina Clemson game.

Col Charles Tupper (USAF, Ret)

November 21, 2019

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Rick Nelson

October 2, 2019

I was shocked to learn just tonight while reading the latest issue of EAA's Sport Aviation magazine that Harry died tragically earlier this year. I flew with Harry a number of times at NWA before I retired in 2011. I always had the utmost respect for both his aviation skills and personal character. I was hired before Harry but that meant nothing to me. I think I became a better pilot because of my flying time with him. Plus we always had fun and laughs doing it. It saddens me to think he is no longer with us. My profound and belated sympathies to Harry's family.

Bob Andrews

March 20, 2019

Harry was a fine table tennis player. I am late to learn that he has left us and I'm truly saddened. I feel like I knew him well, even though I wasn't a close friend of Harry's. He left an impression on me.

I first met him in the early 80s when he came to our Table Tennis Club in Fircrest. He will be missed by many of us in the table tennis community. He was more than just a table tennis player; he was a quality person . He constantly spoke about Naval aviation . He really appreciated Aviation jokes and I added some that he said he would use. He could also take a ribbing and still have a big smile. I used to tease him about his German sports car, especially when he burned up the turbo .
If you we're lucky enough to know Harry your life was enriched because he always had an engaging smile and a good attitude.
--Anchors Aweigh --Harry-- Anchors Aweigh...

Bob Andrews

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