George R Stillwell

George Robert “Skip” Stillwell, Jr., passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at his home in Umpqua, Oregon, with his wife Robbie by his side. He was born on February 8, 1939, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to George Robert Stillwell, Sr., and Marion Bradshaw Stillwell. 

 

After Skip’s family relocated to Sutherlin, Oregon, Skip attended Sutherlin High School, graduating in 1957. He then attended Boise Junior College (now known as Boise State University) on a football scholarship and played on the 1957 football team who were the ICAC Champions that year. 

 

In 1958, Skip left BJC and joined the U.S. Navy. After boot camp and specialty training at NTC in San Diego, he was transferred to the USN Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, where he was stationed on the USS Growler until he was handpicked to serve on the nuclear submarine, USS Robert E. Lee. Skip continued serving on the USS Robert E. Lee until his discharge in 1962 with the rank of Fire Control Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class. 

 

Upon being discharged from the Navy, Skip returned to Oregon and attended the Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, Oregon, (now known as Western Oregon University), and Southern Oregon College (now University) in Ashland, Oregon, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1972. He later returned to the university to receive his Master of Education in 1977. 

 

From 1972 to 1975, Skip worked as both a teacher and coach at Elmira High School, in Elmira, Oregon, and Lakeview High School in Lakeview, Oregon. In 1975, Skip and his family returned to Sutherlin, Oregon, where he continued his career in education and coaching at Sutherlin High School. At the time of Skip’s retirement in 1994, he held the position of Athletic Director at the high school. Over the course of his career, Skip taught Physical Education and Mathematics, and coached track, basketball, golf and football. 

 

Skip married Robbie Hughes in 1989 and at the time of his passing, they had celebrated 35 years of marriage. In 1993 Skip and Robbie moved to his dream location on the Umpqua river where he lived until his passing. Skip enjoyed golfing with his buddies, fishing (with anyone who wanted to!), camping and hunting with his sons and their families. 

 

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Marion, brother Kenneth D. and sister Debora Sossman. He is survived by his wife, Robbie Stillwell, sister Geraldine Beaty of Oakland, Oregon, son Greg and his wife Karen of Central Point, Oregon, son Sam and his wife Erin of Tigard, Oregon, and his youngest son Robert of Sweet Home, Oregon. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren: Cameron, Conner, Randi, Kylie, Annessa, Braden and Jessica. 

 

The Celebration of Life service and reception for Skip will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Sutherlin High School. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or to the Sutherlin High School Athletic Department in Skip’s name.