Morris Donald Skirvin

Those closest to him may remember Mo best as an avid outdoorsman and adventurer. He traveled deep into trackless miles of Canadian forests. He once quit his job, in order to spend a summer living out of a canoe in the far northern wilds of Alaska. Several trips saw Mo wandering among the mountains of the west, through the Big Horns and far into the backlands of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. He was happiest fishing in the warm summer waters of Yellowstone’s Shoshone Lake or eating wild blueberries picked in the impenetrable underbrush on the chill banks of the lakes north of Minnesota.

Along with his interest in outdoor adventure, he was also keenly interested in outdoor survival. He could make fire with sticks and build shelters from leaves and bark and these were skills he practiced in his many adventures. Even later in life, he remained active. Less than a year ago, he was waterskiing and trailer camping in the wilds of Glacier National Park.

Mo was at one time a small aircraft pilot and remained an avid flight enthusiast. Mo enjoyed being a skydiver. He was also a skilled craftsman and carpenter, who loved solving problems. He appreciated great food, of which he took pride in cooking. Mo had an appreciation for music, sports, especially basketball, golf, gardening, and a love of animals.

Mo had a wicked sense of humor, and a keen mind, tempered with a kind heart and gentle spirit.

Mo was a 1968 graduate of Brown County High School earning varsity letters in basketball and track and field. Later he attended IUPUI to attain a degree in chemistry. He made a career decision to enroll in The School of Pharmacy at Butler University, graduating in 1981.

He is preceded in death by his father Harold Skirvin and his mother Leota (Skirvin) Smith.

He is survived by his partner in life Rita Shoup, brothers, Patrick (Star), Marc (Dana), and Michael (Charr) Skirvin and one sister, Terry Skirvin. He is also survived by nieces, Kathryn Gardner (Chad), and Adrienne and Mary Skirvin, and nephews, David, Ben and Matthew Skirvin (Marisa McKelvey), and several great nieces. He will sadly be missed by many friends including his former wife Dawn Snider, his extended family Kara Shoup/Elliott Smith, Erin Shoup, and Keeley Shoup/Justin Fill, and his beloved dog Monk.

Mo’s wishes were that donations be made to the Brown County Humane Society in his memory.

All who wish to celebrate his life and share favorite Mo stories are invited to the old “Red House restaurant”, which is ½ mile west of the Brown County State Park Entrance on old state road 46, July 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM.

Arrangements under the direction of Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home, Nashville, IN.