William Skewes Obituary

Skewes
William Frederick
Skewes
February 13, 1945
September 11, 2022

William (Bill) Frederick Skewes, 77, a 49-year resident of Evergreen Colorado died peacefully on September 11, 2022. His wife Anne was at his side at the family home. Born on February 13, 1945, in Luverne, Minnesota, he is predeceased by his parents, Mortier Boulden Skewes and Mildred Gladys Skewes (nee Pettes).

Bill was a man dedicated to service above self, integrity, politics, and the law. Beginning in high school, Bill began to hone his leadership skills by becoming involved in many activities including being elected as the student body President and Vice President of the Minnesota State Student Council Association. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1967 with a BA, cum laude, in history, political science and economics. His leadership continued by serving in the Student Senate and as an officer of the Chi Psi Fraternity. Following in his father's footsteps, Bill graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1970.

Bill's legal career began as the Minnesota Special Assistant Attorney General for Taxation. He yearned to return to Colorado where his family had spent summers throughout his childhood. Thus in 1972, he joined the Denver law firm of Kelly Stansfield and O'Donnell, making partner in 1977. Bill left the firm as a senior partner in 1988 to begin a solo practice in Evergreen. He was admitted to practice law in the states of Minnesota and Colorado, before the federal courts in both states, before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Supreme Court.

Bill's leadership was called upon as he served in many positions in the Colorado legal community, including as member of the Board of Directors and President of the Colorado Association of Corporate Counsel.

Bill brought his talents in law and economics to bear as he served 32 years on the Board of Directors of Credo Petroleum Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries, United Oil Corporation (28 years) and Seco Energy Corporation (27 years). Working on Credo's Board was one of the highlights of Bill's career.

Upon moving his law practice to Evergreen, Bill became active in the community. His belief in giving back through service showed in his work with the local Center for the Arts, Chamber of Commerce, Bear Creek Rodeo Association, Evergreen Chorale, and the Evergreen Rotary Clubs. In 2001 when it became clear an evening Rotary club was needed, and Bill helped found the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club and served as its Charter President.

Bill's love of politics was demonstrated by his work as the Chairman of the Jefferson Country Republican Party, and his work for 12 years as a personal advisor to the then United States Senator Rudy Boschwitz (R-MN).

Bill was a third-generation Freemason. Bill's father and both grandfathers were Freemasons. Bill was also a York Rite Mason (Knights Templar), a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the El Jebel Shriners. He was a member of four masonic lodges and was a past master at two lodges, Idaho Springs, and Central City. Bill was knighted in the Royal Order of Scotland on July 29, 2017.

While maintaining his practice and community service, one of the highlights of Bill's life was the time that was spent with his children; skiing in Vail and Whistler-Blackcomb, exploring New York City and the spectacle of Broadway shows, enjoying the beaches of Hawaii, canoeing the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota, fly fishing, and most importantly watching them grow from precocious children to remarkable adults with their own families.

Bill and his wife Anne spent many wonderful times together skiing, scuba diving, enjoying the company of friends, and traveling around the world and the United States. Bill enjoyed his many times in France and Italy with Anne being his tour guide. Their 16 years of marriage were a blessing to both.

Everywhere Bill went, people immediately gravitated to him for his intellect, humor, compassion, and leadership. Bill was a fabulous father, friend, colleague, and community member. His professionalism and integrity made him an excellent lawyer and his philanthropic endeavors made Evergreen a better community. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by second his wife, Anne Stucker Buzbee Skewes, his first wife, Kathleen Hogan of Evergreen, his sister, Mary S. Fisher of Greensboro, N.C., as well as three children, Michelle (Matt) Mason of Greensboro, N.C., Elizabeth B. (Dave Joyce) Skewes of Pueblo, Colorado, and Wiley Boulden (Karissa Underwood) Skewes of Denver, Colorado, and two grandchildren, Ellen and Walter Joyce. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the palliative care group and Mt. Evans Hospice who helped Bill throughout the summer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on October 22nd at Hiwan Golf Club, 30671 Club House Lane, Evergreen, CO. A memorial service and reception will be held at 4:00 p.m. on October 22nd at The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 1370 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Masonic Center in the following ways:
1. Scottish Rite Masonic Center - Electronic Credit Card
https://centennial-lodge-of-perfection.square.site/
2. Scottish Rite Masonic Center - Check by Mail
Payee: Scottish Rite Masonic Center
1370 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203