Edward Michael Skylstad

Birth: Mar. 28, 1938 Death: Mar. 14, 2007 Arizona, USA

SKYLSTAD, Edward M. "Mike"

Passed away in his Sun City, Arizona home on March 14, 2007, surrounded by his wife and family.

Born March 28, 1938, in Omak, WA, Mike was the third child born to Steven and Reneldis Skylstad. He was raised on the Methow River, instilling in him a lifelong love of water and fishing.

After graduating from Pateros High School in 1956, he attended Saint Martin's College for one year, then transferred to Washington State University. He graduated from WSU in 1960 with a degree in Horticulture and is a WSU Alumnist.

In 1961 Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany, in the Armored Division, as a teletype operator. He was Honorably Discharged in 1964.

The majority of his working life was spent as a horticultural consultant. He assisted with starting H.R. Spinner in Brewster and retired from Northwest Wholesale, Inc. in 1997 to operate his orchard full time. He taught agriculture at Wentachee Valley College, had a weekly horticulture radio program and conducted educational seminars. Mike was a mentor to many, giving freely of himself and his knowledge.

He had a natural feel for the land and was respected as a premier consultant. Mike was also an innovative and progressive grower, holding the belief that quality would always be worth more than quantity. In 1996 he converted the remainder of his orchard to a variety of organic pears, cherries and pluots. He served as past president of both the Okanogan County Fieldmen's Association and Washington State Horticultural Association. He served on both boards for many years.

He was the recipient of many industry awards throughout his career, including warehouse awards, and Grower of the Year. He last received the Silver Pear Award in 2006 from the Wasington Horticultural Association, an acknowledgement of his achievements, contributions and expertise in the field. In 2001, Mike became ill with congestive heart failure. In 2005 he became involved with the "bridge to transplant" program for prospective heart transplant patients at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA.

He participated in a clinical trial for the Thoratec Heartmate 11 LVAD, a mechanical heart assist device.

He underwent open heart surgery and was the first person to be implanted with the device in Spokane. No matter how rough his path became, he never complained nor lost sight of the fact that his participation in the program could help others. He never knew the meaning of the word "handicap". When advancing Muscular Dystrophy eventually prevented him from kneeling - he built a garden 3 feet off the ground.

Throughout the years, Mike always made time for fishing. Ocean, river, lake or stream - trout, steelhead, and salmon were always his main pursuit.

During his extended illness, with the help of Joe Dezellem, Carlos Swayze, and Matt Watson, Mike continued to fulfill his fishing wishes. He was able to make a trip to Kenai, AK, several trips to coastal rivers, and local trips to the Columbia, Methow and Okanogan rivers.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Gloria, his beloved Kriket, a stepson, Matt Watson, Glendale, AZ, daughters, Teresa, Omak, Michelle, Okanogan, sons Michael S., Phoenix, Scott, Walla Walla WA., Brothers, Bishop William, Spokane, Ron, Cashmere, Steve, East Wenatchee. Sister, Olene Konkel, Albuquerque, NM., grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by an infant brother, mother, step-daughter, sister and father. Mike, you are greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Rosary will be held Tuesday April 3rd at 7 P.M. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Okanogan, Wa. Services will be held Wednesday, April 4th, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Okanogan Wa Father Pitstick will be presiding.

from the Wenatchee World, The (WA) Date: April 1, 2007

EMS

Burial: Unknown

Created by: Rita & Lee Gordon Record added: Mar 29, 2009 Find A Grave Memorial# 35319206