Obituary for Jorgen Skyum
SKYUM, Jorgen
April 21, 1934 – April 8, 2023
Just two weeks short of his 89th birthday, Jorgen passed away in his sleep at the Extendicare Van Daele Manor after years of struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
He led an interesting life from birth and schooling in Argentina, then moving with his family to Denmark, being a sailor on ocean vessels, emigrating to Canada and working as a logger, then in the insurance profession, large equipment sales, and back to the logging business. He appreciated a hard-work ethic and expected it from himself and others. Playing golf, pool, or washer-toss, drinking wine, and singing and dancing like no one was listening or watching were his way of enjoying life, before and after retirement. Daily walking became almost an obsession for the past twenty years, so much so that he did a 700km El Camino walk in Spain at age 74. Weekly visits with Luis and Mary Lou Azpiroz and golfing with Phil and Lena Mergaert gave him great pleasure. He always enjoyed an amusing story or joke, and always had an opinion about everything. He was loved by many, respected by all.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 66 years, Lena, his daughter Helen Wolnik (Terry), and sons Eric (Mary-Ann), Danny (Susan), and Jamie (Natalie). He was a cherished grampa to Courtney Jensen (Josh), Meghan (John), and Gabby, and great-grampa to Clara, Tommy, and Emily. He is fondly remembered by his sisters Helga Acosta (late Tim) and Cristina Schonberg (late Bent), and is predeceased by his sister Ester, brothers Erik and Hans, and parents Ragnhild and Ole. Numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Our family sends a huge thank you to the wonderful third floor staff (and support staff) for their kindness, compassion, patience, and sense of humour with Dad (Papa) in his journey with them.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.
April 21, 1934 – April 8, 2023
Just two weeks short of his 89th birthday, Jorgen passed away in his sleep at the Extendicare Van Daele Manor after years of struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
He led an interesting life from birth and schooling in Argentina, then moving with his family to Denmark, being a sailor on ocean vessels, emigrating to Canada and working as a logger, then in the insurance profession, large equipment sales, and back to the logging business. He appreciated a hard-work ethic and expected it from himself and others. Playing golf, pool, or washer-toss, drinking wine, and singing and dancing like no one was listening or watching were his way of enjoying life, before and after retirement. Daily walking became almost an obsession for the past twenty years, so much so that he did a 700km El Camino walk in Spain at age 74. Weekly visits with Luis and Mary Lou Azpiroz and golfing with Phil and Lena Mergaert gave him great pleasure. He always enjoyed an amusing story or joke, and always had an opinion about everything. He was loved by many, respected by all.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 66 years, Lena, his daughter Helen Wolnik (Terry), and sons Eric (Mary-Ann), Danny (Susan), and Jamie (Natalie). He was a cherished grampa to Courtney Jensen (Josh), Meghan (John), and Gabby, and great-grampa to Clara, Tommy, and Emily. He is fondly remembered by his sisters Helga Acosta (late Tim) and Cristina Schonberg (late Bent), and is predeceased by his sister Ester, brothers Erik and Hans, and parents Ragnhild and Ole. Numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Our family sends a huge thank you to the wonderful third floor staff (and support staff) for their kindness, compassion, patience, and sense of humour with Dad (Papa) in his journey with them.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.