Robert Bruce Skankey |
| Posted 2026-02-24 by mhenderson |
| Published by the Miner on Feb. 11, 2026 - Kingman, Arizona - Robert Bruce Skankey was born on May 2, 1964, in Burlingame, California. He was the fourth son born to Dr. Robert A. Skankey and Alice Evelyn Larson. Robert was raised in a loving home, full of rowdy boys and animals. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah after high school and earned his degree in EET. Robert served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bangkok, Thailand, where he proselyted for 18 months. Robert met his wife, Tjiske Brendan Baldwin, at a bowling class at BYU. They courted until they were married and sealed together for time and all eternity on May 9th, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. Robert always dreamed of flying and joined the Marine Corps in December 1988. He served in the Marine Corps from 1988 to 2010 and loved every moment as a pilot. Robert had several capacities in the Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Lt. Col before his eventual retirement. One of his highlights was working at HMX pilot while stationed at Quantico, VA. His true joy of his Marine Corps career was flying his beloved CH-53e Super Stallion, otherwise known as “God’s Helicopter.” Robert and Tjiske had four wonderful children, Robert Cameron, Bryce Donald, Kirstin Anne, and Samuel Tje. Robert was the most incredible father figure to his kids. While he was often on deployment, Robert was always an engaged parent and always ready to play. He is a priceless example of what fatherhood should be. After Robert’s retirement from the Marine Corps, he then joined the Guardian Air ambulance in Kingman, Arizona, where he served by providing transport for people who need medical attention. Afterwards he joined his comrades in arms at the AZDPS in protecting the people and communities of Arizona. Throughout his life he served in countless callings in the Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Of all his callings, his favorite ones revolved around serving and helping the youth of the church. Robert volunteered in the community as the leader of the Kingman Young Marines, and he also coached cross country and track teams for the Kingman Academy. He also served as a volunteer at the Arizona State prison in Kingman providing support and assistance for the inmates. Robert prioritized his health throughout his life. His love for running and biking was well known by all. He has completed marathons, triathlons, and tough mudders. His favorite race was the Marine Corps marathon in Virginia, which he ran with his youngest son Samuel. Robert always noted that no one looked happy while racing, so he always tried to smile and wave in all the pictures taken during the races. He would always challenge people to push themselves to live up to their potential more than they ever thought possible. Robert’s love of music and instruments lasted his entire life. In his younger years, he was the pianist for the band Ariel and wrote incredible songs. Robert always claimed that he “couldn’t read music,” but he performed countless songs across multiple instruments. He loved to play on his antique piano in his home, as well as his keyboards and ukelele. Robert enjoyed dragging all his sound equipment along on vacations to rock out with the band. There was no such thing as a quiet party with Robert, and the music volume on his speakers was always as loud as possible. Robert loved his family and enjoyed every moment with them. Robert and Tjiske were always ready to take their kids and grandkids on all sorts of adventures, all over the country from Disneyland to Hawaii and more. In more recent years Tjiske would drag Robert onto her crazy cruising campaigns across the globe. Despite his expressed reluctance, he found much joy in these intimate adventures with his beautiful wife. His favorite excursions were ones out in nature climbing, hiking, doing manual labor, camping, and exploring. Robert’s grandchildren adored him, and they would always find a way to tackle and wrestle with him. Robert is survived by his wife Tjiske Skankey, his four children, Robert Cameron Skankey (Melanie), Bryce Donald Skankey (Tonya), Kirstin Anne Workman (Joshua), and Samuel Tje Skankey. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lillian, Taliah, Robert D., Anton, Yuki, Zula, Max, Seth, Roy, and Wade. He is also survived by his siblings: Gary Skankey (Aubin), Wayne Skankey (L. Michele), Glenn Skankey, Aaron Skankey (Jean), Meeran Quintana (Mike), and Faith Baldwin. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of which love and miss him dearly. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert A. Skankey and Alice Evelyn Larson. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Scott Baldwin. He was also predeceased by his two granddaughters, Alice and Mercedes. Robert is now in excellent company. Robert will be honored on Friday, February 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Kingman Stake Center, 610 Eastern Street, Kingman, AZ. The internment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery in Kingman, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Kingman Young Marines program, donate to the USMC Toys-for-tots organization, or run a 5k. Semper Fi. See Also: Find A Grave |
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