Arden James Skarphol

Arden James Skarphol was born in Williston, North Dakota on July 13, 1944 to Arthur and Sylvia (Brorby) Skarphol. He was the second of their six children. He ended his sojourn on earth and entered into God's presence on January 18, 2024, at age 79.

His family moved to Spokane, Washington and then to Portland, Oregon when he was in grade school. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1963, he went on to study Architecture at Portland State College and the University of Oregon. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1969, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.

While at a party at U of O in February 1968, he met Margaret “Meg” Daughity. On September 21, 1968, he and Meg were married. Having been part of the R.O.T.C. program at U of O, he joined the Army in 1969 after graduating, and served in Vietnam as part of the Army Corp of Engineers. Upon his honorable discharge in 1971, he returned to Salem, Oregon and began his career as an architect.

Arden and Meg had two children, their son Joshua Skarphol in 1972 and their daughter Molly Skarphol in 1974. Between the arrival of Joshua and Molly, their family moved from Salem to Portland where he continued his career as an architect.

He worked at different private practices before moving into the public sector in 1978 with the US Forest Service. He retired in September 1996 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but continued to help friends and family by drawing up plans for many different types of projects throughout the rest of his life.

Arden loved Jesus, because Jesus first loved him. He served in Jesus' church in multiple ways, most recently for the last 12 years at Trinity Church of Portland. He was known for his love of the Bible, and for wise counsel that he developed from years of reading it.

He loved music from a young age. He not only listened to it, but played trumpet and sang in choir. He was a talented whistler. He was known for having considerable skill as a handyman, which he shared with his friends and family who frequently called on him for help.

He also loved horses ever since he saw Roy Rogers and Trigger. During his retirement he trained as a farrier and went horse back riding with friends, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

He is survived by his wife Meg, daughter Molly, son Joshua and daughter-in-law Julie, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place on March 16th at 10AM at Trinity Church of Portland (909 NE 30th Ave Portland, OR 97232).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mr. Skarphol’s name to Trinity Church of Portland at https://www.trinityportland.com/give.