Garth J. Skaar, 76

Garth J. Skaar, 76, of Corvallis, Oregon, passed away peacefully at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany on Jan. 10, 2015, surrounded by, and in the arms of, loving family. 

Garth was born Sept. 17, 1938, in Arnegard, North Dakota. He moved frequently in his early years as his father worked on various construction projects. Garth spent his high school years in Kalispell, where he worked many jobs and met his future wife, Mary Janet Hughes.

Upon graduation, and a two-week naval stint, Garth enrolled in business school at Northern Montana College, paying his way with myriad jobs, from furniture delivery to fire lookout. After his junior year, he and “Janny” married, spending their first two summers atop that lookout.

Garth and Jan moved to Ely, Nevada, in 1962, where their two children were born and Garth began his teaching career. Three years later, Garth took a teaching job in Oakridge, Oregon, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. During his more than 30 years in education, Garth taught business classes, driving, announced games, ran ski club and coached golf.

In Oakridge, Garth and family spent wonderful years gaining friends and enjoying the land through camping, motorcycling, skiing and other, too many to list, activities. 

In 1987, a motorcycle crash severely limited Garth’s activity, but not his spirit.

Five years after retirement, Garth moved to Corvallis and, in 2004, moved into the house they had built where they’ve lived ever since. They enjoyed growing a new circle of friends, maintaining cherished old friendships, and being a beloved part of the lives of their seven grandchildren.

Garth was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Skaar; and brother-in-law, Ron Mushlitz.

Garth is survived by his loving wife, Mary Janet “Jan”; his sister, Susan Mushlitz, of Spokane; his sister, Niki, and husband, Rich Weatherly, of Spokane; his daughter, Vicki, and husband, David Guenther, and their sons, Jayce, Derek and Ryan of Corvallis; and his son, Brian, and wife, Linda, and their sons, Andrew (Ventura, California) Conlin and wife Jessie (Hillsboro, Oregon), and Bryson and daughter Dana of Philomath, Oregon.

A memorial service with a reception following will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate, Philomath. It will be a time to remember Garth’s immense impact on so many and share stories of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Peace Lutheran Church of Philomath; or Evergreen Hospice House of Albany, Oregon, in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th Street, Corvallis OR 97330.  

Please leave your thoughts and memories for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.