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Walter Skold Obituary
Walter Skold enlisted the son of novelist John Updike to carve a unique tombstone that will be topped with a dancing skeleton and a quill. Michael Updike, who received the poet's deposit last month, said he never expected to be carving the monument so soon.
There was no indication of any premonition of an untimely death before Skold's passing at age 57 on Jan. 20, in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, Updike said Friday.
"He was a sweet soul," said Updike, of Newbury, Massachusetts. "He was a kind person with this quirky predilection to poets' graves and death and the macabre."
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Known as the "Dead Poets Guy," Skold visited the final resting places of more than 600 poets after launching the Dead Poets Society in 2008 in Maine, drawing inspiration for the name from the 1989 Robin Williams movie.
Along the way, Skold drew attention to bards and poetry while producing a massive repository of information on poets' final resting places.
He also had a sense of humor.
He traveled in a cargo van he dubbed the "Dedgar the Poemobile," sometimes embellishing the dashboard with an Edgar Allan Poe bobblehead.
But he was serious about honoring poets, and he launched a movement to create Dead Poets Remembrance Day on the Sunday closest to Oct. 7, the date Poe died.
"It takes a little chutzpah to say we're starting a holiday," he said in 2010. "But we believe it's a really good idea, and we hope it catches on."
Skold was living in Freeport, Maine, when left his job as a public school technology teacher to pursue his passions of poetry and photography and to launch the society.
A celebration of Skold's life is being held Saturday in York, Pennsylvania, where his family burial plot is located. There also will be a smaller remembrance in Maine at a later date.
We invite you to share condolences for Walter Skold in our Guest Book.
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Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
77 Entries
david w berner
May 15, 2025
Rest in peace, poet man,
David Ingle
December 7, 2022
He was one of a kind even in high school...followed him from a distance. Now he gets to meet all the poets!
ELLEN CLARK
May 6, 2020
I knew Walter at Nyack. I went to enlist him in a political cause, and I knew someone who had his name had died a couple of years ago, but I did not think it was him because Walter was political, not into poetry, when I knew him. So sorry. I had that happen last year when I went to contact an old friend of mine in IT and found out he had died in 2018. So many dying too young. RIP Walter.
Peter Bergman
August 31, 2018
Walter's fascination with poetry and with our great poets of the past was contagious. I spent many happy days with him exchanging views, reciting poems and celebrating at their graves. I was part of his first Dead Poets' Day celebration in Maine, reading Millay's "Ragged Island" at the crack of dawn on the coast with the sun coming up over the island that had been Millay's summer home and later reading "Renascence" in the Camden Public Library. I have missed him and will now continue to miss him for years to come.
How you can show support
February 23, 2018
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
Daniel & Joanne Smith
February 17, 2018
We extend our sympathy and prayers to the Skold family and Barbara. Our Smith family enjoyed all the great times we shared in Changchun, China. We will never forget his part in the Thanksgiving performance of "Lao Wai, Lao Wai" sung to Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer." Those were good days!
Douglas Goodis
February 10, 2018
Very truly sad for your loss... God bless your brother...
Carolyn and Hans Krahn
February 9, 2018
We just learned of Walter's passing. Our hearts are heavy. He was a great and Brilliant man. A thoughtful Father to his children. Our children were in class with both Simon and Wesley. We also enjoyed having them and sins to our house for Young Life Club.
All the Skolds are in our prayers.
January 31, 2018
Everything your loved one was...kind, honest, caring, wise, thoughtful, loving..lives on in the hearts of friends and family who will never forget. So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort sustain you during your grieving process.
J
January 31, 2018
My prayers are with you as we wait for God promises to come true
I wait with you
Sally
January 30, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Carol
January 30, 2018
It is never easy to lose a loved one, I pray you find comfort in Gods promise found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will see all our loved ones again. My deepest condolences to the family.
Geovanny Barrantes
January 30, 2018
We all have to leave, Walter has done it very young, leaves a great legacy, love of poetry and life. God bless and strengthen your family and loved ones. I hope to read an epitaph worthy of you.
John and Janet Schwanda
January 29, 2018
I'm sad to think I'll never run into Walter at the grocery store again (even though he moved away), never share laughs with him at another of our Skold/Schwanda game nights, never enjoy a new photo or poem on Facebook. John and I send our deepest condolences to all of Walter's nearest and dearest. His obituary really captured Walter's essence, and We will miss this colorful, delightful man.
January 29, 2018
Sorry for your loss Matthew 5:4 .
January 29, 2018
Sorry for the lost of your beloved family member Walter Skold. May our God of Peace be with the family at this time.
JS
January 29, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
January 29, 2018
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
January 28, 2018
I remember reading about Walter a few years ago! I wish I had met him.
What a wonderful obit and all the condolences.
With deepest sympathy to the family and many friends of a man who has gone way too soon.
RIP Walter!
January 28, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences..May you continue to cherish his precious memories together memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
Stephanie Wilson
January 28, 2018
May the words at 1 Cornithians 15:26 bring you and yours some comfort. Agape
Jamie Riel
January 28, 2018
I did not know Walter, but was always so pleased to see stories of his travels as the Dead Poet's Society of America founder and Ambassador. I rooted him on with a smile, grateful for his spirit of adventure. His obituary describes a man who lived well and good, and I would have liked to have met him. I will miss looking for added website features and his continued exploits in the name of poetry - both the poetry of words and the poetry in living an inspiring life. I just wanted you to know that he touched many in wonderful ways. I wish you all peace in your hearts.
January 28, 2018
To the family, I am sorry to hear the news a about your loss.
May God who "binds up the broken hearted" and comforted all who mourns" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2
Harry Simpson
January 27, 2018
Godspeed Walter, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Scott Chamberland
January 27, 2018
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
January 27, 2018
Really sorry to hear about your loss. my sincere condolences to family and friends.hope all will find comfort in medatiting on fond memories.Jer .29: 11.
D L
January 27, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be near you during your time of sorrow. Psalms145:18,29
Greg McKelvey
January 27, 2018
Walter, you will be so missed by so many! Thank you for being a wonderful example to me and being the thoroughly good man and supportive friend that you were. I'll always remember that you were a parent always involved with your children. Your faith was such an encouragement to me. Rest in his love and grace.
Pat Clockedile
January 27, 2018
Walter, we will miss your presence so much. It was always a pleasure to share time with you. I learned so much.
Tonya Bender
January 27, 2018
Dearest Family,
Gone way too soon! We are so saddened to hear of Walter's passing. He was such an unforgettable, jolly friend whose deep laugh was infectious and uplifting. He'd light up the room. We have so many cherished memories of him and family. Thank you for your lives and love for Jesus and others.
May the Lord strengthen and comfort your broken hearts.
In our hearts and prayers.. ❤ ❤
Benders
January 27, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 27, 2018
'A good name is better than good oil....'-Ecclesiastes 7:1. He will always be remember for his contribution to the poet society.
C.M
January 27, 2018
There is so much sorrow in the world. But the death of our loved ones brings the deepest sorrow of all. May God's love and mercy, help you through this difficult time. Psalm 31:7
JMS
January 27, 2018
My condolences to the family of Walter Skold. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear love one. May God give you peace and strength during this most difficult time.
January 27, 2018
Truly saddened to hear about Walter Skold's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Pardise! Luke23:43
Linda W
January 27, 2018
I'm so sorry for his passing and your grief that you are enduring. May the God of tender mercy hears your cries and send peace ,love and strength your way. Psalms 145:18,19
January 27, 2018
I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time.
MM
January 27, 2018
Condolences to family and fans.
Dave H
January 27, 2018
The days are long and nights forever
Your life was short your message clear
A poets friend with a heart so dear
January 27, 2018
Sorry for your loss May God of all tender mercy comfort you in your times of sadness.
January 26, 2018
Deepest condolences. Mr. Skold will be missed sadly. May God strengthen you in this time of distress. Keep his fond memories close at heart.
Steve Ovenden
January 26, 2018
Sorry to hear about Walter's passing. Please let me know how I can help carry the Dead Poets Legacy further into the future. Steve [email protected]
Christina Saxton
January 26, 2018
Wes, we are so sorry to hear about the death of your dad. Reading the obituary was exhiliarating! What an amazing man he was! We wish we could have been able to get to know him! May God's peace guide you through this time.
Christina and Curt Saxton
christian
January 26, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
D Cover
January 26, 2018
May the family find comfort in the God of tender mercies and comfort (Isa. 51:3 and 2 Cor 1:3) during their time of grief.
Adrian Barnette
January 26, 2018
We'll miss you !
Monica Wood
January 26, 2018
Simon, I read your dad's gorgeous obituary in the physical paper this morning. What a beautifully lived life. I can't imagine the grief and also the joy he has left behind with his family and friends. Much warmth and sympathy to you and your family. Monica Wood
January 26, 2018
Walter was that very special person who marched to a different drummer, a joyous drummer whose beat was filled with joy and exuberance. His drummer had a smile for all who crossed his path, a sense of discovery, excitement, happiness and friendship. His drummer knew how to write, how to convey the interest of the little known, the discipline of searching for the unknown, the uncommon, the unsought, and always bringing newfound interest in matters not often found by the greatest of writers. His drummer was always joyous and always welcome. His drummer was unforgettable. The world needs more drummers like Walter's drummer.
With love and admiration,
The Iosue Family
Jeanette (Kiger) Rosenberger
January 26, 2018
I knew Walter from Sunday School and confirmation class at Asbury United Methodist. Since I hadn't seen him in decades, I did not know his interests that were mentioned. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest. Your family is in my prayers.
Steve Ripley
January 26, 2018
It was 1995 when I last spent time with Walter. He came out to Fuller Seminary where I was attending and we went out to eat together. His laugh is something I will always remember from the first time we met at Gordon College, until we met again in LA. He was a light wherever he went. I will see you again, my brother.
Walter & Friends at the Grave of Robert Creeley
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter at Longfellow's Grave
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter at the Grave of William Alfred
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
The Poe Mobile at Mount Auburn Cemeter
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter at Mount Auburn in 2010
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
The POE Mobile
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter in the Fall of 2013
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter had so many friends
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter & Jen J
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter & Friends in Cambridge
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Walter & Friends Visit Mount Auburn
Jen Johnston
January 25, 2018
Andrew Periale
January 25, 2018
About 4 years ago I was in touch with Walter when I brought the poetry of Forman Brown to a Dead Poets remembrance day. People were intrigued by this little known poet who had studied with Robert Frost, and then went on to become a well known lyricist and performer in Hollywood. It inspired me to continue my research and eventually mount a one-man show: Forman Brown, New Hampshire's forgotten poet and puppeteer. Thank you Walter -- it would never have happened without you.
January 25, 2018
Our condolences to the entire Skold family. We met Walter while Sam was in Troop 45. He was always supportive and such a willing, happy spirit. He will be missed by all who shared in his radiant light. Earl and Cindy Pollock, Freeport, Maine.
Steve & Jenny Beck
January 24, 2018
Thinking about all of you. I remember Walter, Emily Morris and my sister Gretchen doing something related to Earth Day called KTA, Kids Taking Action. I am curious if Walter ever made it to The Robert Frost Trail, or his cabin outside of Breadloaf?
Walter and Dedgar near Hollins Market, Baltimore. Nov 14, 2015
Jessica Sack Nelson
January 24, 2018
I was fortunate enough to know Walter, meeting him at the Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a great man and I was very fond of him. We shared a lot of laughs and some terrific memories that I will now hold dear always. He never steered away from going out of his way for someone. I feel so blessed to have known him and will miss him dearly. I wish the world could have held on to him a bit longer, as I feel he had so much to give -- and we really need people like him on Earth. I'm glad I shared a bit of his space for as long as I could. I will miss you, Walter! You left a permanent mark on the Poe House and in my heart. See you in Valhalla.
Lydia & Romeo Bondoc
January 24, 2018
Condolences to the family. We know him, Barbara and their children in The Bronx, New York.
David and Mary Hurd
January 24, 2018
We're so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the happy memories.
The Robert Frost Farm from the old county road.
Bill Gleed
January 24, 2018
I ran the Robert Frost Homestead state historic site for the NH state parks for over ten years. Walter was a fixture at the farm, and we became natural friends.
He would come to every presentation we had in the old barn in Derry except and unless he was on the road in search of another poet whose work and legacy needed preservation.
I take great pride in being one of the poets reading in Concord at Gibson's for one of the remembrance days, and in hosting one of those days at the Robert Frost Farm in Derry.
I'm going to miss his good nature and his glowing smile. His passion for poetry was unmistakable. I will not forget Walter Skold, and I'm happy our paths converged in a yellow wood for a little while.
Dore Dorris
January 24, 2018
I have no idea what to say. He was a very special man and touched my life and many others in so many ways. That is the best legacy to leave in this world. Was looking forward to his return trip. Hope that you all find peace and comfort from all that knew him. He was so proud of all his family.
Sharon & John McConville
January 24, 2018
Praying peace for you, Salome, and your family during this difficult time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn Kauffman
January 24, 2018
We want to send our love to Racquel, Simon, Charles, Wesley, Samuel & Barbara. Some of you probably don't remember us, but we enjoyed being your neighbors on Grand Avenue, the Bronx & hosting some visits while we lived in Hong Kong. May God heal your sad hearts!! Junior & Carolyn Kauffman
Eleanor Winthrop Vinton
S Stephanie
January 24, 2018
My condolences to Walter's family and all who were close to him. His tireless efforts to find and keep the history of both major and minor US Poets will not be forgotten. He was such a generous and caring person.
I will never forget the trips I made with him in search of Eleanor Winthrop Vinton's grave in the late summer and fall of 2014. Vinton was the 2nd Poet Laureate of NH (1972-77), yet no one we knew or spoke with had ever heard of her or read her work. Walter was determined to find her story, her poems, and her grave. It took us several trips to three different cemeteries and several libraries to find any information on her, her poems, and finally her resting place. The poet, Jessica Purdy came with us when we finally did find and photograph Vinton's grave at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord NH. The three of us swept the leaves and debris from that forgotten, unkempt site and honored her as best we could. Later that day, Poet Laureate Alice Fogel read some of Vinton's poems for us at the Dead Poet's Remembrance reading we arranged at Gibson's Bookstore in Concord. Walter was so pleased that we had solved the mystery and brought her to light again. He was meticulous and persevering in keeping history alive. I will miss him and his quest.
S Stephanie
Sue Smith
January 24, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for the family at this difficult time
Adele Ryder
January 24, 2018
My heart is with the entire Skold family in your time of loss. My prayers and condolences.
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