Clarence P. Skillern

Clarence P. "Ken" Skillern, age 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children, Tim Skillern and wife, Catherine of San Tan Valley, AZ, Rebecca "Becky" Wilson and husband David of Tijeras, NM; grandchildren, Kurt Skillern of Aurora, CO, Kris Baca and husband, Johnny of San Tan Valley, AZ, Mark and Matt Wilson of Tijeras, NM, great grandchildren, Brayden and Elijah Baca and many other family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris "Dody"; his parents; his brother, John and sister, Mary Jane. Ken and Dody were high school sweethearts in Eugene, OR. They married in Baltimore, MD and Ken then served in the US Army Signal Corp during WWII in France. When the war ended, he went to the University of Oregon where he received his Bachelors degree. Mr. and Mrs. Skillern came to New Mexico in the 1950's to work at Los Alamos National Labs where he was a Health and Safety Engineer, became a certified industrial hygienist, and even came up with the idea and was involved in the development of the patented radiation badge. Ken then worked for General Electric in Kennewick, WA, where they enjoyed spending time together on the Oregon and Washington coast. They later moved to Pittsburg, PA to work for Westinghouse and in 1965 returned to New Mexico to work at Sandia National Labs. He retired in 1989 and consulted with Rockwell Laser Industries. He was a devoted husband for 52 years, spending countless hours caring for his sweetheart Doris until she passed away. Before that they loved to spend countless hours with friends at many Albuquerque Restaurants. Mr. Skillern was an elder at Immanuel Presbyterian Church where he and Doris were both active members. Cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Road Runner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd NE, Alb., NM 87109 or Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution Ave. NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87110 in appreciate of their great service.