William Kenneth Skaer

Brig. Gen. William Kenneth Skaer, USAF Ret, was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His gifts of love and leadership to this world began at a young age and continued throughout his life. Gen. Skaer was voted "Head Boy" at Denver's East High, and declined a scholarship at Yale University to attend the United States Military Academy. At West Point "Big Dog" Skaer started on the varsity football team, excelled academically, and married high-school love, Evelyn Land, on his graduation day in 1938. Gen. Skaer dedicated his working life to serving his country. He piloted B-17s and B-29s and commanded the 40th Bomb Group during World War II. He also represented the Air Force at the United Nations, and served as a U.S. diplomat in both Mexico City and London before retiring in 1967. Gen. Skaer's proudest moments included fathering five wonderful children, Diana, Bill, Susie, Fred, and Arthur Skaer. Despite the sorrowful loss of his wife, Evelyn, to cancer over two decades ago, Gen. Skaer found a new beginning with Helen Rooney. Helen has proudly recalled many times that "any man who could love a woman so much, could surely learn to love again!" And that he did. Brig. Gen. And Mrs. W. K. Skaer remained happily married for over 25 years until he ended his struggle with Parkinson's disease on November 16, 2000, at the age of 85. Not only was he an officer, gentleman, and scholar, but more importantly, he was the consummate father, husband, and friend. He was a General to the end. Sensing his fate was near, he called in his expansive clan for their final marching orders and to exchange goodbyes. With his mission on Earth complete, after a short prayer with his beloved Helen to their Lord and Saviour, he "let go and let God" with a smile in his heart and peace in his soul. He now serves a higher calling and is surely preparing to receive family and friends one-by-one as they follow his giant footsteps into the Great Beyond.