[Al Skierkiewicz]

This is very hard for me, Art and his family are good friends. There was never a time when anyone of them were asked for assistance did they refuse. When my wife Dottie called me this morning, I was stunned and immediately thought back to IRI and to this past Championship. Somehow Art and Bette and I would be able to get in at least one volunteer meal together and this year was no exception. Art had passion. The kind of passion one has for instructing youth, doing a more than a good job, keeping a happy demeanor and knowing your craft. To say that Art was merely the Spare Parts guru is an understatement. He knew what parts were in inventory and where they were located. He kept an eye on spare batteries and let me know if teams were experiencing odd failures. I knew that if Art approached me, there was a serious problem that needed to be taken care of. Otherwise, he would have taken care of it himself. Art was one of those people that made my job easier and who helped me be more calm during events. Somehow having Art around made things a little better.
Art was a kind, gentle and intelligent human being who loved what he was doing. He always had a smile for me and was genuinely happy to see me after a long absence. I can tell from my treatment he must have been a great Scoutmaster. For someone to carry on working with youth for 50 years is a miracle and certainly someone who epitomizes Boy Scouting and FIRST.
Bette, Alan and Carol, please know that our prayers are with you at this time. If there is anything we can help with, or that you need, please let us know. Art, you were a good friend, Dottie and I will miss you.
Peace be upon you...