Mrs. Lena Lana Skeet

Lena Lana Skeet (nee Rock) passed away peacefully at the Seasons Retirement Home in High River on August 8, 2024, at the age of 91 years. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gordon Albert Skeet and her Son Russell Skeet (Lydia), of High River, Alberta. Her sister Violet David, and brothers Walter Rock and John (Barbara) Yarovich all of Calgary, along with several nieces and nephews. Lena was born in Calgary on November 5, 1932, to William and Dominica (Doris) Yarovich (nee Rock), Who predeceased her in 1963 and 1984 respectively. She spent her early years in Calgary living in and around the Bridgeland area before locating to the Natal/Michelle area of the Crowsnest Pass in British Columbia with her mother and stepfather, John Yarovich during her teenage years. Once in her 20’s she returned to Calgary enrolling in secretarial school before embarking on her career for the Parks and Recreation department with the City of Calgary in 1953. It was there working in Calgary City Hall, Lena met the man who would become her husband, Gordon Skeet, who had only just started his 37-year career with the City of Calgary a few months earlier. The pair worked side by side before they started dating, fell in love and were married on June 20, 1959, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary just a few weeks before Lena’s passing. Once married they first moved into their first home in the then brand-new southeast community of Fairview. In 1967, they adopted a 13-month-old boy, naming him Russell Gordon Skeet. From there the family moved to Canyon Meadows in 1969 where they remained until 1991, before Lena and Gordon retired to High River to pursue their passion for golf and small-town living. Lena was an excellent golfer, winning ladies titles at Maple Ridge Golf Course in the 1980’s and the Senior Ladies Club Championship at the Highwood Golf and Country Club in the 1990’s. She also served on the board of Directors for the Highwood Golf and Country Club. She was also a prolific 10-pin bowler, winning many titles and trophies in her over 60 years in the sport, along with spending many terms on the executive of the Southern Alberta 10-Pin Bowling Association. Lena enjoyed the company of her friends and family, hosting parties and events at her home, in her later years, games of mahjong, where the ladies would marvel at the splendor of her home and the view of the mountains from her living room window. Lena had a talent for giving valuable advice, hard earned, by years of experience both good and bad, but she also wasn’t shy to tell you what she really thought, both good and bad. Dementia in her later years led to her being slowly stolen away from her family. But she still was able to make a great impression on the staff at Seasons, High River, with her smile and personality. Words cannot express our gratitude for their service, kindness and caring of Lena in her final years. No words written here can adequately sum up Lena’s life, which was rich and full and filled with love, joy, pain and heartache. She lived life on her terms and will be missed on a daily basis by those who loved her, while the world will be just a “little bit less” without her presence. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (403.652.4242).

Tributes

Mrs. Lena Lana Skeet

November 5, 1932 - August 8, 2024