Carlton "Skip" Depner

Carlton "Skip" Depner, 79, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with his children by his side. Born on October 15, 1945, on Long Island, New York, Skip lived a full and generous life defined by family, friendship, and a lifelong love of learning, laughter, and the water.

Skip attended Redeemer Lutheran School in New York, playing Little League for many of those years. He went on to excel both academically and athletically at Woodhull Prep, earning a place on the varsity soccer and basketball teams. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biology from Bucknell University, where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and was employed at the University upon graduation, focusing on computer science.

In 1978, Skip moved with his family to Illinois, where he built a successful career over the course of 30 years with Motorola, Inc. His work took him around the globe, focused on the development and implementation of wireless solutions that would shape the industry. After retiring from Motorola, Skip launched his own consulting firm and, since 2013, proudly served as a Director with the Project Management Institute (PMI), continuing to share his knowledge and mentor others.

Above all else, Skip's greatest joy came from being an engaged father and grandfather. He is survived by his son Christopher Depner (Nicole) and daughter Molly Depner Knipe (Arland); his beloved grandchildren Maggie and Ryan Depner, and Grace Knipe; and his sister Carole Skroban (Richard). He also leaves behind his nieces Melissa Burton (Jeff) and Stacy Najaka (Scott), and nephew Jonathan Skroban. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Marjorie Depner.

To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Grandpa Skip"-the enthusiastic "President of their fan club." He could frequently be found cheering on the team, celebrating academic achievements, or simply listening with pride and interest to every new adventure. He never missed a chance to show friends and strangers alike photos of his grandkids, beaming as he said, "This is what I am most proud of!"

Skip's other passion was sailing, and he found tremendous joy and community through his membership with Pinnacle Yachts in Chicago. Whether on day sails or extended overnight voyages, Skip found peace and purpose on the water-there was no place he loved more than being aboard with family and friends. He also enjoyed Cubs games, hockey, and music events, staying active and social with those he loved.

Skip was a man of remarkable warmth and spirit, known for his readiness to help others, quick sense of humor, penchant for Excel spreadsheets, and most of all, his deep and abiding love of his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family, neighbors, sailing crew, and countless friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life is being hosted in August; details are available through either of his children.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Skip's honor can be made to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, making sailing more accessible to all, at chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org