Obituary of Elmer T. Skahan

Elmer T. Skahan passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in Gig Harbor , WA . He was born in Toppenish , WA on December 1, 1919 to John and Catherine L. (Varner) Skahan. Elmer went to school in Toppenish, Chemowah Indian School in Oregon and graduated at Gig Harbor Union High School . Elmer served in the Navy for 4 years during WWII as a torpedo man. Then, he returned to home and worked with his Dad and brothers as an evergreen brush harvester for florists. He worked in the forest for over 60 years. Elmer joined Fire District #16 as a volunteer, then became the Fire Chief after a few years, and later a fire commissioner there. Elmer met his wife, Helen, at a dance and was married to her for 59 years. He is also survived by his son, Brett; daughter, Catherine (Don) Skahan-Carlson; step daughter, Eileen Day; brother, Harvey Davis; 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 11 great, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Elmer was predeceased by his stepson, Verne Day; stepdaughter, Rosalie Trettin; his brothers Richard Skahan, Frank S. Davis, Robert Davis, Sr., Roderick Davis, and Oliver Davis Jr., and his twin sisters Marjorie (Skahan) Schnettler and Margaret (Skahan) Loska, as well as his parents, John and Catherine L. (Varner) Skahan. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 2pm at the Burley Bible Church, 14687 Olympic Drive SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367 (about 2 miles north of Purdy). Donations toward a Memorial Fund in Elmer’s name is available at the Key Peninsula Fire Dept. #16, 8911 Key Peninsula Hwy. KPN, Lakebay , WA 98349 .