Thomas William Skey

Looking back through the long lens of growing up in Oakton, I recall most clearly that Tom had an infectious, peaceful way about him that always seemed to put others at ease, too. Though blessed with a Bond-villain physique and almost impossible good looks, Tom was gracious, unassuming and approachable – always taking the time to be kind to little people and respectful to older ones at our church. His manners and thoughtfulness made sense, of course, because he was from a wonderful and loving family. One you’d want for all children becoming young men. I think we all are tempted to struggle with what shadow, what deep sadness must have fallen on so gifted and so loved a person – and to wonder how we could not know. But finality to us is no hurdle for God’s love and grace, thank Goodness. I believe that God has a special place in his heart for those who hurt, and whom we will always love without full understanding. Lisa and I are praying for you who love Tom best and most. – Dave Rochford

I remember all the way back to a blizzard of 79 when I lost a boot in the Skeys back yard. Exploring the woods like they were so far away from home. Making forts. Bottle rocket wars. Growing up with Tom and Bob as a brother. Their home was mine right next door. Microwaved balone sandwiches. Getting in trouble setting the fires in the woods and a fire chief coming to talk to us.The funny part to that was he told us to be careful, because he burnt a wheat field on fire when he was a kid. Huh….. Riding down the hills on Tonka trucks. Being part of soccer. Swimming for 14 years on swim team .Learning and exploring Boyscout camps. A incredible journey, high adventure in Maine.The friends throughout life I met with Tom. I Thank everyone for the part of the journey that we meet. I Thank you Tom for your friendship, brotherhood, and the love we shared. Bob for your love and brotherhood. Laura my 5th sister. Mr and Mrs Skey for being my second parents. Charoltte for capturing a friend heart. I love you Tom and you will always be part of my heart and soul. Thanks for this journey. I pray one day we can share agian.

To the Skey Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Tom in high school, and even as a teenager he had the presence and graciousness of a much older person. Plus a great sense of humor and a fondness for drawing on desks. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Tom was a friend from the University of Tennessee. The architecture students spent many nights working in design lab and we were all typically sleep deprived and trying to meet deadlines. So we have seen the best and the worst of each of us, but even in those conditions Tom was always gracious, kind and so fun to be around. He was supportive of friends in need and doing the right thing was important to him. He spoke of his family and childhood with warmth and joy. It was easy to see he was from a loving home. I’m sure we can all picture his grin with his eyebrows set that certain way – like there was some wonderful surprise that he was going to make you wait to hear. His smile was infectious and could change the mood of the room. He is very missed. One of the best. My deepest condolences go out to Tom’s wife, Charlotte, his mother and father, and all of his family. Sincerely, Michele

For those of you that knew Tom and me, you knew we were really close. We’ve worked the better part of a decade together at two different jobs, first at Peck Peck & Associates and then at Black & Veatch. When I first met Tom at Peck Peck & Associates, we instantly clicked. We worked on the same projects together, we went to lunch together, and we hung out all the time– not just at work but also outside of work. Tom was a mentor to me in the early years and taught me an incredible amount about architecture and the profession. When he left Peck Peck he didn’t forget about me. We continued to be friends and he eventually brought me on board at Black & Veatch – where we once again continued to work together for the next four and a half years. Working with Tom was a great experience to say the least. It wasn’t just work, we made it fun – it was almost like being in elementary school again. We would make fun of each other, draw pictures or write funny things and leave it on each other’s desks. I used to drive over to Tom and Charlotte’s house just to have a few beers and talk – we lived so close to each other. Whenever I had a question about anything, Tom was my go-to guy. He seemed to know everything about anything, whether it was working on my cars or working on my house. He could walk me through things, or would drop what he was doing to stop by and give me a hand. He was always there for me. He came over to my house just last week to help me design my master bathroom – and in less than an hour we had a design that I loved. He was so talented and smart. Tom was also an amazing writer and I’ve asked him on several occasions to write things for me, whether it be a recommendation letter or help wording an email – but I never thought I would be writing for him. Tom was a mentor, and one of my best friends, and I I loved him like a brother. I will miss you very much my friend. I hope you find your inner peace.