Inge P. Skarbo
March 2, 1947 - June 20, 2007
Obituary
Inge P. Skarbo
Inge Skarbo passed away on June 20, 2007 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. He was born to Peter and Berit Skarbo on March 2, 1947 in Haramsoy, Norway, and came to the United States with his family in 1949. They settled in north Seattle, where Inge attended school and graduated from Ingraham High School. He served in the Army for three years, spending his overseas duty in Korea. He married Kathi Olson of Spokane in 1970 and began working in the family furniture business located in downtown Seattle. When the business moved to Southcenter in 1978, Inge moved his family to Burien. He was instrumental in making the store a successful business for 30 years before retiring in 2000. He enjoyed living on Lake Burien for 24 years, taking special pleasure in entertaining friends at his home. He also enjoyed traveling, particularly going on cruises and visiting his son who lives in Maui.
Inge is survived by his wife Kathi, their two sons Kai and Paul, his father Peter, a brother, four nephews, one niece, and many aunts, uncles and cousins both here and in Norway. His mother preceded him in death.
Inge’s smile and cheery disposition, despite the challenges of his disability, will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He was a shining example of how anything is possible with a positive attitude and some determination. He was always very grateful for the care he received from the Seattle VA Medical Center.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 30, 2007, at Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th St, Burien, WA, at 1:00 pm. A committal service with military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America Northwest Chapter, 616 SW 152nd St – Suite B, Burien, WA 98166, or the National MS Society Greater Washington Chapter, 192 Nickerson St – Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98109.
Kathi, Kai, and Paul,
We just learned of Inga’s passing and wish you comfort in the difficult days ahead.
We will always remember “Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam” one rainy 4th of July. It was a pancake breakfast that Lake Burienites will never forget. You always gave one hundred ten percent of yourselves as gracious and giving hosts.
Inge will be missed.
Please accept our belated condolences.
Hi Kathy, Paul, and Kai. Every now and then I go and check out Paul’s web site because I am so happy for his new life, and I saw news about Inge. I just wanted to say he goes down as one of the bright lights in my life. There was never a day at Skarbo’s that he didn’t make my time there just a little bit better. My heart goes out to you all as I know how very proud as you should be of one wonderful, beautiful man. He truly was and always will be an inspiration to anyone’s life that he touched. I know he was to me. My best to you all.
Inge and I were in Army Basic Training together and then didn’t see each other again for over 30 years. We enjoyed sharing our army experiences, although not as often as we would have liked.
As my family and I watched the fireworks over Lake Burien yesterday, I thought about Inge and thought it was a great way to celebrate his life and remember him.
We didn’t make it to the memorial service for Inge, but he was very much in our thoughts. The youngest picture of Inge is the way we will always remember him. We haven’t seen him for years, but we were neighborsthe notorious Olsensand he was just always the neatest kid. Always so polite, but always with that mischievous twinkle in his eye! I guess it’s the way he didn’t try to make a big impression, that in itself, made such a big impression! Our very best wishes to you Kathi, and your sons.
Kathi,
I met you and Inge at your BBQ when Cindy and her husband came out west. Inge was so gracious to put up with us that day. Thoughts and prayers for you and your boys.
Jeanene
Kathy, Kai, Paul, My thoughts have been with you this past week. I’m sorry that Inge has passed, He will be missed by many. It truly was a pleasure working with him for so many years. I always enjoyed his positive attitude and outlook on life. He was an inspiration to many, carrying himself with grace through the trials he had in life, illness and otherwise. I will miss him. Mikel
To the entire Skarbo family:
I was a classmate of Inge in 7th and 8th grade and counted him as one of my close friends during those years. He was quite unlike the other students who were often “brash, loud, and had a push-and-shove mentality”. Inge stood out as a person of quiet integrity, solid values, and showed an open respect for others. I was blessed to have had such a fine friend in my early years. May your entire family carry forward those stellar qualities that Inge so abundently possessed.
May God bless you all.
Kathi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Inge’s cheerful smile at the Grobanite gatherings at your home. It was a pleasure to meet him. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. And thank you for introducing me to Grobania.
Debbie McAdams aka joshogee
Kathi,
Condolences and wishing you the very best. Neighbors like you and Inge are what make Lake Burien such a great place to live.
Dick and Judy Franks
June 29, 2007
Burien, WA
Kathi, Paul and Kai,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Inge. He was a real joy to know, such an inspiration to us all. Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Paul and Kai. He will be missed by many.
Kathy, Kai, and Paul:
It is with a heavy heart that I find myself having to write this message. We will keep you all in our family’s prayers as you pass through these trying times. Inge always offered to everyone a sincere kindness and jovial spirit that would be hard to match anywhere. I think fondly of my childhood and the role he played in my life. Thank you for always opening your home to a multitude of family in friends. It is a testament to Inge and your family as a whole.
condolences and best wishes going out to you and your family.
your fellow grobanite
helga brown
Dear Kathi and family,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I will always remember how gracious you and Inge were in hosting our FOJG summer bar-b-que a few years back. It was a wonderful day with many happy memories. Dolores babyrn
I remember Inge fondly from attending family reunions when I was married to John Olson. I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Kathi, Kai, and Paul,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Inge was an amazing man. I can still see the smile on his face when he was out on the deck during the 4th of July. He loved having everyone over. We will miss him so much!
Love,
Marcus and Emily Wyse
It was always such a pleasure to talk to Inge. He was alway so cheerful that being around him cheered me up. I shall miss him.
My condolensces to you and your family Kathi. I too remember yours and Inge’s hospitality when you opened up your lovely home to us fellow Grobies several summers ago for a barbecue. Thanks to you both, many new friendships were made that day. Inge was a gracious man for putting up with us.
TiffR FOJG
We offer our deepest sympathies on your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat and Mary Beth Moran
Kathi, Kai and Paul,
we express our deepest condolences. We’ll forever remember every Christmas and Independance Day we spent with you all at the lake and the fun we had. You’ll be in our prayers and Inge will be in our hearts. Always.
Kathi,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I know the last few years have been rough for your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Inge will be missed, we remember the great times we had at the summer BBQ’s in your backyard. Our prayers are with his family at this time.
Dear Kathi, Kai, and Paul,
We will certainly keep you all in our thoughts and prayers, and we’ll always have the fondest memories of our times together, whether on the lake or out to dinner.
We will always cherish those memories of you and Inge.
Love, Marty and Lynne Wyse
Kathi, Kai & Paul,
My prayers go out to you all. I cherish all the great memories my family and I have had with your family and the rest of the “Group”. The BBQ’s, dinners out, rides on the party barge and 4th of July on the lake. Inge will be missed but at least we have the memories of all those good times.
Love,
Kathy