Harold Eugene Skiles, 88, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley.
He was born on July 22, 1920 in Green Castle, Missouri, the son of George & Irene Sizemore Skiles. He was raised and attended school in Green Castle.
On February 20, 1939 he was united in marriage to Gladys Bear in Green City, MO and this year they celebrated 70 years together.
Harold worked in farming for a while then purchased and operated a gas station in Green Castle where he worked as a mechanic. From 1947 to 1953 he served as the town’s Mayor. In 1954, the Skiles family moved to Sedro-Woolley and Harold worked at Northern State Hospital as a mechanic and as a driver transporting staff and patients. He worked at Northern State until its closure and he then transferred to Western State Hospital in Steilacoom until his retirement. Harold was also a property investor purchasing and fixing up multiple homes and renting them out. In the early 1970’s, Harold served the City of Sedro-Woolley as a council member.
Harold enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and traveling and for the past 28 years he and Gladys have traveled to Tucson, Arizona where they would spend the winter months until poor health prevented their travels. He also enjoyed having and attending garage sales and going to flea markets looking for that ‘can’t do without item’. Harold was a member of the Wildcat Steelhead Club where he served as treasurer and was a member of the State Mental Hospital Employees Union.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gladys of Sedro-Woolley. A daughter, Mary Louise Miller and her husband, Wayne of Payson, Utah. Two sons, Darrell Skiles and his wife, Sherilyn of Big Lake and Alan Skiles of Sedro-Woolley. A sister, Aileen Sayre of Green City, MO and a brother, George Skiles, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn of Florence, AZ. Eleven grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Bishop Jeff Haddock of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sedro-Woolley Ward officiating.
The family suggests that memorials be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 12721–30th Ave. NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125.
Share memories of Harold and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.

To view the webcast of the service click here.