Lee Skabelund

Lee Skabelund of Centerville, Utah passed away at his home on May 17, 2018. Anyone who knew him can attest that he left us kicking and screaming-fighting for what is right and good and productive-to the last moment.  He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years: Dixie Lee Hillyard; his brother: Paul Skabelund of Hyde Park, Utah; his five children: Celeste, Hoyt, Troy, Shelby and  Travis; and 14 grandchildren.  After graduating from Utah State University with his master's degree, he spent his career with the U.S. Forest Service. His job allowed him to enjoy the outdoors, and took him and his family to some of the most beautiful country in the world.  The family lived in Montana, Northern Idaho, Flaming Gorge and Centerville, Utah, where he has lived for the past 30 years.  He was proud of the fact he helped save and restore the Ute Lookout Tower in the Ashley National Forest, given that it is one of the few remaining functioning lookout towers in service today. Lee was instrumental in the creation the Tree Utah Program.  He served faithfully as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was actively involved in supporting correct principles and encouraging the proper role of government in our community, state and nation, constantly fighting for the ideals of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution.
    
Lee was a hard worker and seemed to be even busier in retirement.  He loved to fish, hunt and camp in his younger years. He had a creative and bright mind, and enjoyed planning and launching new projects and ideas. If he wasn't meddling with 5 or 10 different projects at once, he wasn't happy. His to-do list has been distributed to family and friends and may be completed eventually . . ..  
     
Lee enjoyed creating fun for his family and friends, including laser tag, model electric trains, river rafting, hunting and fishing, motorcycle rides, cross-country skiing, roller skating and ice skating (he was an amazing ice skater!)  There were always flashes of his broad grin-he seemed to have as much fun as anyone!
Lee had a great sense of humor. His last note to his family was found shortly after his passing, written on three rungs of a ladder propped up against his cherry tree: "This is my step-ladder; I never knew my real ladder; -Lee Skabelund," which brought laughs and smiles.
Lee will be missed by those who knew him. He was a good man, seeking to make a positive impact on the world. Through his example, each of his children from a young age learned to work hard and make their work meaningful. Whether it was work at home, at a service project, up in the mountains cutting firewood, or visiting the needy or lonely, he instilled this message: "nothing comes without working for it."
We love you, Lee, for your kindness and friendship, and for teaching us during our journey!  You will be missed! Until we meet again.
Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the Russon Mortuary, located at 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 22.  An additional viewing will be held Wednesday morning, May 23, 2018  from 8:45-9:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 270 North 300 East, Centerville, Utah, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.  A brief graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the cemetery in Hyde Park, Utah.