Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Patriarch and friend, Ervin Maxwell Skousen, age 90, passed into eternal life February 3, 2006, four days after a massive stroke, to be greeted with joy by his beloved wife, daughter, parents, brothers, sisters and great-granddaughter. He lived a life of excellence, love, and dedication to the Lord, to his family, and to the State of Utah. Ervin was born May 28, 1915 in Provo, Utah to Royal and Margarita Bentley Skousen. While growing up in San Bernardino, California, he found two great treasures: he learned to fly, and he met the love of his life, Madeline Bay, whom he married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1937 and to whom he was married for 63 years. He joined the Canadian Royal Air Force prior to the United States entering World War II and was later commissioned a Captain in the United States Army Air Corps, acting as lead instructor for pilots going into war. Ervin and Madeline were blessed with three children: Toni, Michael, and Cynthia. Their grandchildren (Don, Tanya, Mike, Becky, Elise) and great-grandchildren (Donny, Debbie, Sydney, Kensi, Toni, Madeline, Sam, Orion and Max) were the light and joy of their lives. Ervin took care of Madeline for many years as her health failed, always with love and consideration. She preceded him in death in November 2000. Ervin served the Lord faithfully in many church positions, including teacher, Sunday School President, High Counselor, Counselor in the Stake Presidency, and Stake Patriarch. He loved the temple and in his later years, attended weekly with his children and often with his brothers. Ervin also served his community as a State Legislator for eight years, centering his service on assisting women and children in need and protecting the future of the public school system; his bill amending the Utah State Constitution to create School Trust Lands passed and is law today and provides permanent income for public schools throughout the state. Ervin is survived by his children, Michael (Caralyn) Skousen and Cynthia Skousen; his grandchildren, Donald (Jan) Waagen, Tanya (Scott) Hunt, Michael (Jenny) Skousen, Rebecca (Jason) Pond, and Elise (Justin) Elswood Hileman; his great-grandchildren: Donny and Debbie Waagen; Sydney, Kensi and Toni Hunt; Madeline, Sam and Max Skousen; Orion Harmon and a new great-grandchild coming at Easter. He is also survived by a much-loved brother, Keith (Joan) Skousen, the brother and sisters of his wife; Donald (Barbara) Waagen, and many friends whom he loved. He is now joyfully with the Lord whom he served and those who preceded him in death: his beloved wife, Madeline; daughter, Toni; great-granddaughter Jessica; and his parents, brothers and sisters. Thanks to all who assisted dad and the family in this trying transition: the paramedics, the compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at University of Utah Hospital and Care Source Hospice for their professionalism and kindness. They were all a gift from God. Our dad lived a wonderful life filled with service to others. With deep gratitude to our Father in Heaven that we were privileged to know and love our dad and grandpa, we say goodbye for a short time, with the full knowledge that we will be together for all eternity. Funeral services for Ervin will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 12:00 noon at the Canyon Rim Ward, 3100 East 3000 South, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and on Tuesday morning at the church from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

(published in Deseret News Feb 5, 2006)