Thomas J Skillman, Iii

Thomas J Skillman III passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on October 31, 1935, in Narberth, PA. Growing up, his passions were basketball and lacrosse. During high school, he spent his summers working at a ranch near Cody, WY, an experience that inspired him to move west. He gave up a lacrosse scholarship to Princeton in order to attend Colorado State University (CSU), where he met his wife of nearly 69 years, Betty Ann. He graduated from CSU in 1957.

At CSU, Tom was a member of the Rodeo Club, participating in saddle bronc riding and roping. After fulfilling his commitment to the Army, he and Betty moved to Yuma, CO, where he pursued his career as a Soil Conservationist. Tom was also a founding member of the Yuma Pheasant Hospitality Association, which brought hunters and economic growth to the area during the hunting season.

In 1967, Tom and his family moved back to Fort Collins, where he began working for the CSU Alumni Association. His passion for lacrosse led him to become the CSU lacrosse coach from 1968 to 1971. In 2014, he was inducted into the CSU Lacrosse Hall of Fame as the first lacrosse coach at the university.

Sports were always an important part of Tom's life. He enjoyed watching CSU football and basketball, attended his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, and was an avid golfer.

In 1968, Tom founded Skillman Photography, which continues to operate today, capturing family memories through weddings, senior and family portraits, and school pictures. He was also the official photographer for Miss Rodeo Colorado and the Larimer County Fair & Rodeo Queen.

Tom was a long-time member of the CSU 50-Year Club, the Rams Club, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, Fort Collins Country Club, and The Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his three children, Tom Skillman (Beth), JoAnn Caddoo (Skip), and Bob Skillman (Karen); Tom's sister, Sara Jehle; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on March 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm with a celebration of life reception to follolw at 2 pm in the Stadium Room at the CSU Canvas Stadium. Parking is available in the lot directly west of the stadium. Entrance to the Stadium Room is the Premium Club Entrance on the stadium's west side. An elevator inside the entrance goes to the 4th floor, where the Stadium Club is located.