MICHAEL R. SKIBO

Palmer resident Michael R. Skibo, 39, died of stomach cancer at Valley Hospital on Oct. 15, 2003.

Funeral services are scheduled for today at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla. Pastor Henry Woodal will officiate. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service.

Mr. Skibo was born March 23, 1964, in Sharpesville, Pa. He graduated from Sharpesville High School and Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio, earning a civil engineer degree. He moved to Alaska in 1993.

Mr. Skibo worked for the Los Angeles Public Works Department from 1989 to 1993. After moving to Alaska, he worked with Alaska Rim Engineering from 1993 to 2000. From 2000 to the time of his death, he worked for the state of Alaska Department of Environmental Control.

Mr. Skibo was an active member with Mat-Su Judo. He was a black belt. His special interests were judo, hunting, fishing and softball. He designed numerous roads in Alaska as well.

His family wrote, "Mike succumbed to cancer after a long and brave battle. His wife Marci supported him throughout his struggle. Mike will be missed by all of us who knew him. Mike was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed the beauty he found in Alaska. He enjoyed hunting with Bronson, fishing, softball, judo and relaxing at home with his wife. Mike's wishes were to donate his corneas to Life Alaska."

Mr. Skibo was preceded in death by his grandfather, Vincent Skibo.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marci; his parents Robert and Freda Skibo of Sharpesville, Pa.; grandmother Casmeria Skibo of Wheatland, Pa.; brother David Skibo of Los Angeles; stepdaughter Becki Peterson-Brodigan, her husband Jeremy and daughter Hallie; stepson Jacob Peterson; and family members Jim and Carol Foster of Wasilla; Janet and Richard Burmeister of Eagle River; Michael and Karen Foster of Wasilla and Patrick, Saundra and James Foster of Anchorage. He is also survived by his favorite companion, his basset hound Bronson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Mat-Su Judo, 750 N. Gulkana, Palmer, AK 99645.

Mr. Skibo's ashes will be scattered at his favorite hunting and fishing places.