Robert (Bob) Skillman died at his home on Jan. 17.

He was born on April 20, 1946, in Alameda, Calif., to Robert and Dorothy Skillman.

Skillman was a decorated combat veteran, serving in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, as a Dreadnaught, 2nd of the 34th Armor.

He met his wife, Barbara Kay Skillman in Hayward, Calif. They were married on Dec. 16, 1990. They spent many years in their own business, working side-by-side as automotive machinist, until medical problems forced him to retire.

Skillman always loved the desert, and in 2001 they moved to Harney County. He loved hiking, rock hounding and target shooting.

Skillman is survived by his wife, Barbara Kay Skillman of Hines; God-son, Laszlo Kovach and wife Skye of San Leandro, Calif.; and long-time friends, William Gibbs of Burns, Karen Hendrickson of Hines and John and Jane Teixiera of San Leandro, Calif.

At Skillman’s request, no service will be held. A small gathering of family and friends will be held in the spring to scatter his ashes.

Contributions in Skillman’s memory may be made to the Harney County Hospice, 415 N. Fairview, Burns, OR 97720.