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BORN
1987
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Skinner Obituary
A memorial service will be held in honor of Michael on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Hwy.
Michael was born January 25, 1987, in Soldotna, Alaska. He was the first-born son to Jeanette Belisle Skinner, and became a big brother just one year later when little sister, Amanda arrived. After graduating from Kenai Central High School in 2005, Michael joined the army, bravely serving one tour in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division and achieving the rank of Sergeant. He retired from the army in 2009 and would go on to serve in the National Guard for the next 6 years.
One of Michael's many passions was advocacy for veterans, especially PTSD awareness and treatment, on which he gave several presentations. He enjoyed helping other veterans successfully navigate the system, which reflects his sincerely kind and caring personality as well as his love for teaching others.
Michael loved languages, traveling to other countries, and spent time in Costa Rica where he taught English as a second language. He was a car enthusiast and the proud owner of two of his dream cars: a red '69 Firebird and a silver Mazda RX-8. Michael was an intelligent and informed lover of obscure facts and history, with a special passion for the culture and history of old town Kenai Alaska, where he served as a docent for the Kenai Historical Society. Michael loved to spend time outdoors and could often be found fishing or walking on the beach.
Michael believed in the fundamental goodness in all people and always gave the benefit of the doubt. He was funny and witty and made it his mission to make people laugh and smile. Michael was generous with his time and money, often volunteering and donating to causes in which he believed. He was passionate about supporting small businesses, believed in treating people with kindness and respect, and was always willing and eager to help others.
Michael shared a very close friendship with his mom, Jeanette, whom he loved very much. He was a loving uncle to nieces Jane and Heidi and will be greatly missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Tyler Chapman. Michael was preceded in death by grandparents, Gary and Ella Blade. Michael's final act was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
To honor Michael's life, military service, and passion for veteran advocacy and PTSD awareness, please consider donating to Mission 22.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Skinner
Jake
February 3, 2024
It's hard to believe it's been 3 years. I think about you constantly, and I don't think I'll ever stop. Everything I have been doing through my life since has been driven for you. You are the best uncle I could ever ask for. You have been present from the day I could walk and have never left my side. There have been countless times where I've found myself lost, hopeless, and turning over to harmful thoughts. But I know you want the best from everyone, and thinking about you lifts me back up on my feet. I wish I would have known when the last time I would see you would be, but I know I must cherish any moment I can get with the people I love. I'm so proud of you Skinny, all of us are and I love you so much. Thank you for everything.
Richard Pelzl
January 23, 2023
I got to know Michael when we lived in the same host family in Costa Rica in March 2020. Although we only spent two weeks together, we quickly developed a deep friendship. I always admired how genuinely friendly and selfless Michael was. We hung out many times, ate pizza, went partying and to the gym together. He promised he would come and visit me in Germany one day. I tried texting him on the one year anniversary of us meeting in Costa Rica asking how he´d been but my messages never got delivered. Little did I know he had already passed away by the time.
I was hearbroken when I discovered his obituary but I truly believe being the person that he was, he influenced many of his fellow human beings in his own positive way which will persist far longer than any grief. Our lives will always be connected and he will live on in my memory of the wonderful white beaches of Costa Rica.
Ruhe in Frieden, mein Freund!
Donna Juliussen
May 29, 2022
It´s just so happens to be Memorial Day, and I thought of you..probably haven´t seen you since Middle/Highschool looked you up on Facebook and noticed that you were gone. Thank you for you service to our country and the people in it. You were a very kind soul and you left to soon!
Caro Rojas
November 11, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I miss him too much, he was always nice to me and he was always trying to make me smile, he was a genuine person. He was a great English teacher and he was the best friend. My condolences to his family. I will try to share all the kindness and generosity he always was trying to give. Hope you've found peace I won't forget you.
Hanwen Zhao
November 2, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was such a nice friend, and I am glad I got to meet him at KRC. I miss the time we hang out together. Wishing you peace, my friend.
Dave Saldivar
October 29, 2020
I'll miss seeing you at the gym....and talking cars. Hope you've found peace.
Kimberly
October 28, 2020
Prayers for comfort and peace to your family, and I pray you find comfort now. We didn't talk often, but our short conversations were always good ones.
Thank you for your service sir.
Bryan Moore
October 27, 2020
Michael was a wonderful brother and was wonderful to Kaylie, Jake and Victoria. They loved him dearly. When Kaylie was just 3, he was acting like he was choking telling the adults a story and Kaylie walked over to him and said “Skinny, are you ok” as she wrapped her arms around him to hug him. That’s the affect he had on my kids. I was his Sgt at Ft Polk and watched him grow into a fine young man. I liked him immediately and it grew from there. He was a brother I never had. I love you Mike!
Nancy D Wilkins
October 26, 2020
Jeanette, so sorry to hear about Michael. I pray the Lord will give you peace and comfort and healing.
Diane Taylor
October 26, 2020
Michael was a big part of our English as a Second Language programm at KPC, as he spent hundreds of hours volunteering over the years; he helped and befriended international visitors, immigrants, and foreign exchange students, and made them feel welcomed in our community and country. Michael also had a passion for history, both local and global. With a very heavy heart I pray for the family and friends left behind. Wishing you peace, Michael, until we meet again.
Lam and Bettina Lavea, Liloa Lavea
October 25, 2020
I’m so sad to hear of Michael’s passing. He made a difference for other veterans in our community. Our son Liloa said of Michael, his high school friend: “The first MMA fighter on the Peninsula before you even graduated. In the army jumping out of planes. You definitely lived your life to the fullest. My condolences to the family. Until we meet again my brother Aloha.” Sending our prayers to his family for this loss.
Ruby Dyer
October 25, 2020
I remember Michael as a sweet little boy riding his bike with his sister in front of his house. As the years went by Michael grew into a fine young man. Now in the military, Jeanette brought him to see me where we worked. I couldn't believe that little boy was a grown man. Michael was so proud of his uniform, he just beamed with pride. I told him how handsome he looked in his uniform and how proud I was of him. He beamed even brighter. What an honorable young man he grew into. I'm proud to have known him.
Greg Dyer, Sr.
October 25, 2020
I remember Michael as a smiling, happy, vivacious little boy. I hadn't seen him in a number of years. I was happy to see him come to our house because he was such a sweet little boy. I remember giving Michael a knife kit that he liked, for him to build. I believe he said he was going to work with his grandfather to build the knife. Often over the years I've thought of that knife kit and wished I had built it for him as a gift. Michael's unselfish service to his family, friends, and country, that loving all-American boy grew into a fine respected young man that everyone was proud of.
Jim Beeson
October 25, 2020
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was one of those kids that I really enjoyed getting to know. It was kids like Michael that make teaching the most enjoyable profession in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Georgia Poynor
October 25, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Rob Knapp
October 25, 2020
I'm glad I got to meet and know Michael through KPC. He was a wonderful person and fellow Vet. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Keanu Müterthies
October 25, 2020
I am proud to got to know Michael. He was introduced to me knowing he had spent some time in germany and that he could help me learn about Alaska after my arrival.
We spent many days out fishing or just having a chat in the house. He was kind, friendly and a good person. He decided to offer his time so that I don't felt lost during my first weeks there. So much we laughed together when he told me to speak out tough English words. I laughed too when I gave him german words which were hard to pronounce.
When I got back for a visit he proudly showed me his car, he got to meet my dad and during that time he gave tours at Old Town Kenai.
Michael I will always remember you and your efforts. Thank you that I had the chance to get to know you. Rest in peace my friend
Keanu
Sharon Fisher
October 25, 2020
Michael was a wonderfully kind and generous person and I enjoyed the time I spent working with him through the Kenai Historical Society. He gave me hope that future generations will enjoy and understand the history of where they choose to be; he surely inspired many of the visitors to the Historic Cabins Park while he was docent there. I will me him very much.
June & Joe Harris
October 25, 2020
Michael, we loved you as a son and will always miss you. We had some great years working together at the Kenai Historic Cabin Park, as well as apart from the park. The Kenai Historical Society will always appreciate your dedication to improving the cabins and the endless hours you spent researching the history of the cabins, of Kenai, and the state of Alaska to share with the many hundreds of visitor's we had through the park each summer. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We love you. June and Joe
Sharon Hanna
October 25, 2020
Jeannette, I did not know Michael though I met him when he was very small. I do know the heartache that comes from losing a son, as I lost my son Michael a year ago. My heart and prayers are with you and yours. No one know the void and the pain from losing a child, who hasn't done so themselves. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Dr Paul Landen
October 25, 2020
Michael was a student of mine at KPC. Bright and passionate- Michael was always curious and exploring ideas. We spoke at length about travel, about his experiences with study abroad in Australia, teaching English abroad and his plans to visit Europe. I had the privilege of helping him prepare for his talk on PTSD at KPC and was amazed by what an excellent job he did. I liked and respected Michael and will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Gary Turner
October 25, 2020
I am so saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. He truly helped many veterans and he made numerous presentations about PTSD. I so appreciate him sharing his message with Kenai Peninsula College staff and faculty and how they could help those with PTSD. We were so fortunate to have him as a KPC student. He will be missed by many.
Gary J. Turner, KPC Director
Dan Balmer
October 24, 2020
Michael you had a big heart to help other people. I'm so grateful for the time you spent volunteering as a mentor with the youth of Kenai. You will be greatly missed bud.
Bryan L Roach
October 24, 2020
Eddie Richardson
October 24, 2020
I only got to spend a week with him, but it was life changing. He touched more lives than he will ever know. You will be missed, brother.
Andreas Veh
October 24, 2020
I'm glad I got to know you, Michael.
Andreas Veh
Troey Stout
October 24, 2020
We will never forget Michael’s kindness to us this past August during our trip to Alaska. We bonded with him instantly. Rest In Peace my brother. Prayers to the family.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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Memorial Events
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Oct
27
Memorial service
1:00 p.m.
Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory - Kenai5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
Funeral services provided by:
Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory - Kenai5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
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