Dean Swift Skillman Sr.

1941 - 2022

Dean Swift Skillman, Sr.

Dean Swift Skillman, Sr., a man with a heart of gold, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 2, 2022. He was a wonderful brother, grandfather, uncle, and the best father anyone could ever hope to have. Dean was born at Lying Inn Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, on April 16, 1941, to Thomas J. Skillman, Jr., and Shirley B. (Swift) Skillman, who preceded him in death; along with brother-in-law, Arthur Jehle. He is survived by his children, Dean (Beth) Skillman, Jr., Jeffrey Skillman, and Jason (Alexis) Heldt; grandchildren, Kate Skillman and Loren Heldt; his partner, Karen Mullholland; former spouse, Judith Skillman; siblings, Thomas (Betty) J. Skillman III, David (Sonia) Skillman, and Sara Jehle; along with many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dean was an entrepreneur in the truest sense. There were business ventures created with close friend, Gary Sliemers, as well as Jeff Smith and Brad North; but his greatest accomplishment was successfully managing a diverse real estate investment portfolio built on a partnership started over 40 years ago with business partner and friend, Thomas Smith.

It's hard to describe Dean with limited space, but if one had to pick his greatest passion, it would be his love of fun, laughing and joking, making others feel good along the way. Watching Dad race from work to don his Cub Scout Pack Master uniform, he invigorated the meetings with humor that brought new energy to that position, entertaining parents and kids alike. He famously enthralled the young scouts during the placement of their Bobcat Pins, which by tradition were to be pinned upside down until further tasks were completed. Dean elicited parent volunteers to help with the "pinning ceremony" by having them turn their kids upside down and placing the pin on right-side-up, creating much laughter and fanfare.

Dad had a way of bringing joy â€" and dare we say, mischief â€" to everything he did. From the days he spent with his buddies in Narberth, PA, to embracing his sons' passions of basketball, Native American-based spirituality and golf, as well as coaching his granddaughter Kate's basketball team. Dad shared love, laughter and generosity countless times over his wonderful life. Exemplary of this, in his sons' early years the neighborhood kids would knock on the door and ask if "Big Dean" could come out and play.

Dean loved his family deeply and let them know through his words and actions. He relished the tradition of our biennial family reunions started by his parents over 60 years ago. We all look forward to those trips to the beach, but no one more than Dean, where he enjoyed a nightly bourbon with family â€" brother Tom comes to mind.

Finally, Dean found a tremendous amount of joy participating in Dock Dog competitions with his jumping dog, Wylie. Together they rose to the top of their sport holding world records in all offered events. The two of them traveled across the country, with prize money often spent treating competitors to dinner and spirits. That is just who he was. We will all miss you, Dad. Thanks for everything!! R.I.P. Dean S. Skillman, Sr., Big Skill, JYD, Papa.

A Celebration of Dean's life is planned, check the Walker Funeral Home website for updated details. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Project Hope Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 382, Coldwater, MI 49036, www.projecthoperescue.org, or to a charity of your choice.

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