Official Obituary of
Gregory J. Skakles
October 13, 1947 ~ June 23, 2017 (age 69) 69 Years Old
Gregory Skakles Obituary
Greg Skakles passed away peacefully on June 23, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Anaconda to Margaret (Peggy) McGinley and James (Jimmy) Skakles, Greg attended local Catholic schools and graduated from Anaconda Central and Carrol College. He continued to pursue his Juris Doctorate at the University of Montana and graduated from law school in 1972 with honors. Greg's first job was with McKeon Law Firm, then ventured out with a private practice. The Johnson, Skakles & Kebe office was established in Butte and Anaconda and continued until he started a new law partnership, Skakles & Gallagher.
Greg had a brilliant mind and a laser-like focus that made him an extremely successful attorney. He was proud to represent the people who needed him most. His successes were many, but you would never hear about them from him as he was humble to the core. Those who knew Greg knew he was a kind, compassionate, generous soul with a contagious smile and laughter.
His Irish heritage was very special and was a devoted fan of Notre Dame, especially when they had their victories. He was an avid golfer, hitting a hole in one on Kapaula Golf Course in Maui, Hawaii. Greg enjoyed jogging and could be seen many times running with his brother and friends in town and participating in several races around Montana.
Greg had wonderful childhood memories growing up in 'McGinleyville' and spending weekends at the Perna cabin at Georgetown Lake which was a favorite place to relax and also at Echo Lake with family and friends.
His marriage to Nancy (Perna) was blessed with two children, Marcy and Shayne.
Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Nancy. Daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Pat Gallagher, his grandchildren Kiernan and Sean who were the highlights of his life. His son, Shayne Skakles of Austin, TX. Sister and brother-in-law, Maureen (Cookie) and Ron Johnson. Brother and sister-in-law, Kiki and Patty Skakles. Brother-in-law, Fred Perna. Special aunts, Patricia Holland and Marilyn McGinley.
Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Meghan and Andrew Cromwell and children,
Tanner, Teague and Rory. Mike and Paige Johnson and children, Gus and Creek. Jeff and Lisa McNeil and children, Ciara, Kenzie, Eric, Olivia, Madden. Several cousins in Anaconda and many out of state.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Peggy and Jimmy. Father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Elvira Perna. Sister-in-law, Linda Perna McNeil and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A scholarship in Greg's honor has been established at the First Montana Bank, 123 Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711. The Greg J. Skakles Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a student at Anaconda High School.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Anaconda. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the services at the church.
217 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Anacoonda, MT 59711
217 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Anacoonda, MT 59711
Born and raised in Anaconda to Margaret (Peggy) McGinley and James (Jimmy) Skakles, Greg attended local Catholic schools and graduated from Anaconda Central and Carrol College. He continued to pursue his Juris Doctorate at the University of Montana and graduated from law school in 1972 with honors. Greg's first job was with McKeon Law Firm, then ventured out with a private practice. The Johnson, Skakles & Kebe office was established in Butte and Anaconda and continued until he started a new law partnership, Skakles & Gallagher.
Greg had a brilliant mind and a laser-like focus that made him an extremely successful attorney. He was proud to represent the people who needed him most. His successes were many, but you would never hear about them from him as he was humble to the core. Those who knew Greg knew he was a kind, compassionate, generous soul with a contagious smile and laughter.
His Irish heritage was very special and was a devoted fan of Notre Dame, especially when they had their victories. He was an avid golfer, hitting a hole in one on Kapaula Golf Course in Maui, Hawaii. Greg enjoyed jogging and could be seen many times running with his brother and friends in town and participating in several races around Montana.
Greg had wonderful childhood memories growing up in 'McGinleyville' and spending weekends at the Perna cabin at Georgetown Lake which was a favorite place to relax and also at Echo Lake with family and friends.
His marriage to Nancy (Perna) was blessed with two children, Marcy and Shayne.
Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Nancy. Daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Pat Gallagher, his grandchildren Kiernan and Sean who were the highlights of his life. His son, Shayne Skakles of Austin, TX. Sister and brother-in-law, Maureen (Cookie) and Ron Johnson. Brother and sister-in-law, Kiki and Patty Skakles. Brother-in-law, Fred Perna. Special aunts, Patricia Holland and Marilyn McGinley.
Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Meghan and Andrew Cromwell and children,
Tanner, Teague and Rory. Mike and Paige Johnson and children, Gus and Creek. Jeff and Lisa McNeil and children, Ciara, Kenzie, Eric, Olivia, Madden. Several cousins in Anaconda and many out of state.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Peggy and Jimmy. Father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Elvira Perna. Sister-in-law, Linda Perna McNeil and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A scholarship in Greg's honor has been established at the First Montana Bank, 123 Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711. The Greg J. Skakles Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a student at Anaconda High School.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Anaconda. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the services at the church.
Visitation
JUN 29. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (MDT)
Holy Family Catholic Church217 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Anacoonda, MT 59711
Mass of Christian Burial
JUN 29. 10:30 AM (MDT)
Holy Family Catholic Church217 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Anacoonda, MT 59711
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