On Feb 28, 1951, Skip was born in Ontario, Oregon, the oldest child of Glenn and Hilda Sturdy. The family started their life on a ranch outside Council, Idaho, and after a couple moves landed on a farm in New Plymouth, Idaho. Skip grew up on this farm with his brothers, milking cows, farming, and enjoying the freedom of farm life. At age 11, when his dad died, Skip took on the extra responsibility of running the farm with his mother and two brothers. Skip spent his school years here, graduating from New Plymouth High School in 1969. After a year of college at Boise State, studying in the automobile
mechanic program, Skip started his life-long career in the millwork business. He became a world class finger jointer man and millwright. His career began with Woodgrain Millwork working in both the Fruitland, Idaho, and Lakeview, Oregon facilities. He then transitioned to Bright Wood in Redmond, Oregon. Eventually, Skip’s friend Chris Huggins recruited him to Ziegelmeyer in Medford, Oregon. With this role Skip traveled the world installing and rebuilding finger jointers. He completed projects in Russia, Brazil, Latvia, and multiple locations across Canada and the United States. For the last 16 years, Skip worked at Bright Wood, first in Redmond then Madras, Oregon where he met his wife, Lupe.
Lupe reinvigorated Skip’s life bringing him true happiness while including him as a part of her warm, welcoming family. Skip and Lupe filled their new home with warmth and happiness. He loved time with Lupe’s kids, grandkids and developed a special bond with Lupe’s mother.
Skip lived life always looking forward. This perspective carried through in his strong work ethic, marriage relationships, family ties, friendships, and finally, in his confrontation with cancer. Never a “Big Wheel” but always the working man, happiest out in the plant, not in an office. He was known to many family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers as the person always there to lend a helping hand.
Skip is survived by his wife Lupe, son Mike of Eaton, Colorado, son Jason and daughter Jennifer of Terrebonne, Oregon, and brothers Carl of Boise, Idaho and Gary of Anacortes, Washington. His daughter Robyn and older brother Bob Boyer preceded Skip in death.
Special thanks to Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend and all the staff for their kindness and help in Skip’s final days.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Funeral services will be at the Pentecostal Church of God, 911 NE Nance Street, Madras, Oregon on Saturday, February 29 at 11:00 AM.
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