Gary John Skelhorn

A Memorial Service for Gary John Skelhorn, 75, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 520 Olive St., Shreveport, Louisiana, officiated by Father John Henson.

Gary walked into the light to meet his Lord and all the Saints just before dawn on September 21, 2025. He was born in Grays, Essex, England July 6, 1950. Before coming to Louisiana, he worked for the British postal system and later as a hospital finance officer for the British Health system. Gary first moved to the United States to be with his companion of many years. However, after being here a year and never violating a law, nor overstaying a visa (which he renewed every 90 days by returning to the UK) Homeland Security forced him to return to England. He had to go back, find a job, a place to live, and start his life over again alone, until he could retire. His partner would travel back to the UK on holidays and stay in touch daily by telephone and Skype. On July 4, 2008 they were united by a civil ceremony in the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately Gary had a heart attack the next year. This near-death experience inspired him to paint abstract angels during his recovery and afterwards. His work is unique in that he made all of his colors from plants, berries, herbs etc. He jokingly referred to them as organic paintings. He sold a number of paintings in England, and in this area after Homeland Security permitted him to move here he retired in the United Kingdom.

He was still unable to get a green card until he married his partner. Gary loved living in Louisiana, but has been home bound because of health issues for many months, but he continued to paint angels until his health further deteriorated. Gary loved his home and pets which he called his babies, and was able stay in touch with old friends in England by Facebook.

Gary is survived by his soul mate for 47 years Ralph Blake; his son, Dominic Skelhorn (Claudio Flores) Chelmsford, England; brother, David Skelhorn (Wendy) of Norfolk; stepmother, Rose Skelhorn, Debenham; half-brothers, Robert (Aiko) and daughter Lilibet and Matthew all in England.

We are especially thankful to all the people at Cornerstone Post Acute Care Hospital, who took such wonderful care of Gary. Ms. Margurite, Michelle, Steven, Jennifer, Stefanie and others whose names we can not remember are all angels in disguise.

If you wish to honor Gary with memorials, please make them to Robinson's Rescue or ASPCA.