A Tribute to Bob Skarra

Bob Skarra passed away on December 7, 2019

Bob was a JFW icon. He and two other fellows founded the Red Deer Woodchucks JFW club in 1980. At that time there were some problems dealing with the regional rep from Forestry, so Cliff and Dorothy Tetz (founders of the Eagles club in 1976) gave Bob some assistance, so in some respects you could consider the Woodchucks a brother/sister club. The Woodchucks have thrived for the last 39 years and are a very progressive and dynamic club. Some of the earlier members are still active: Don and Linda Shantz (wood carving, drum making and other hand crafts), Tom and Jan Blunden (Alumni Association, who have organized the Alumni Winter Skills and McKenzie Crossing Summer Family camps.

Many of you may have been to Camp Alexo (PT Cruiser Camp, etc.). Bob was instrumental with the Woodchucks building the “Warden Cabin” there, which some of you may have stayed in.

In his career he has taught hundreds of Wardens at the club, regional, National Camps and with the Alumni Association. Bob’s willow chairs were a hallmark project for the Alumni summer camps at Chambers Creek, and later at McKenzie Crossing.

I have had the privilege of working with Bob on many of these occasions. It was enlightening, inspirational, educational and most importantly, it was FUN!  Bob had a great sense of humor. He was a big man, had a big laugh and a big heart.

I won’t attempt to list all his endeavors and awards but two stand out. He was a great believer in the family values of JFW, so in April of 1994 he and Phyllis McBride co-founded the Alumni Association so the adventure could continue. His greatest award (reward) was the Wardens themselves. Indeed, Cody Howitt was one of Bob’s Woodchucks and is now the Assistant Chief Warden for Alberta.

He has left us now to continue his journey and I hope along the way it involves ice fishing for Burbot.

His name will be added to the “In Gratitude” memorial for outstanding contributions to the JFW organization. This memorial is mounted in the Hall at our Jumping Pound camp.

Thanks, Bob.               

- Brian McBride, Eagles club, Calgary