Garth Julius Skaar

Garth J. Skaar, 76, of Corvallis, Oregon, passed away peacefully at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany on January 10th, 2015, surrounded by, and in the arms of, loving family. Garth was born 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, Montana, 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 a myriad of 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. 3 years later, Garth took a teaching job in Oakridge, Oregon which 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. 5 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 of Kalispell and brother-in-law Ron Mushlitz of Spokane. 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, CA), Conlin and wife Jessie (Hillsboro, OR), and Bryson and daughter Dana of Philomath. A memorial service with a reception following will be held Saturday, January 24, at 1:00 PM 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 or Evergreen Hospice House of Albany OR in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW 5th Street, Corvallis OR 97330.

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Garth Julius Skaar

September 17, 1938 - January 10, 2015