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BORN
1927
DIED
2024
Thorbjorn Skogland Obituary
Toby passed away at home in Seattle on 10-Mar-2024 after a brief illness. He was born August 23, 1927 in Bergen, Norway to Lars and Ebba Skogland and grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a championship wrestler while in college and earned one of the University's first Western Canada collegiate championships. After college, Toby began his career as an engineer working for Canadian General Electric in Toronto and Quebec where he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Elizabeth Naughton, on January 29, 1955. Their family grew and they transferred to Shelbyville, IN in 1960 where Toby was the Engineering Manager at the GE plant. They transferred to Seattle in 1974 where he was the Engineering and Marketing Manager, retiring from GE in 1988. He then started a very successful business that designed and sold heating products, primarily in the U.S. and Asia. Toby was widely traveled, visiting 60+ countries in his business and personal life.
Toby was an enthusiastic and decorated leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He and Ruth actively led their five sons and one grandson to the rank of Eagle. He was also an accomplished craftsman who built furniture, cabinets and family keepsakes that will be treasured heirlooms.
Toby is survived by his sister, Elsie Smith of Mission, BC; his wife of 69 years, Ruth, and their 5 sons – Marc (Jean), Ian (Anita), Neil (Marilyn), Loren (Marianne) and Keith (Carla); 9 grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren along with nieces and nephews in Canada and Norway. He was predeceased by his parents, Lars and Ebba, and his brothers, Roy and Gordon. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all.
The family greatly appreciates the sympathetic care provided by the Synergy Homecare team (Ray, Colleen, Rodgers, James, Kelvin, Charles) leading up to Toby's final days. We will hold private remembrances and encourage others to search out a good deed and dedicate it in Toby's memory rather than send flowers or gifts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thorbjorn Skogland
1 Entry
Jewell Smith Steele
March 17, 2024
I was a secretary for Toby here at the GE-Shelbyville office in 1964. It was a pleasure working for him. And my thanks, again, to Ruth for hosting a bridal shower for me that year. It was very much appreciated. After he moved to Seattle, Toby would often visit Wellman-Shelbyville. You have my deepest Sympathy.
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