Werner Robert Skyba, 64

Werner Robert Skyba, 64, passed away Sept. 5, 2009, in Rio Rico, Ariz. He was born April 25,1945, in Sandnessjoen, Norway, the son of Karl Skyba and Lena Skyba-Behrens.

He is survived by, and is the beloved husband of Noelle; father of Werner H. (Osan AFB, Korea); Richard T. and Mary of Oregon; and Michelle and Ned Evans of Washington; brother of Kurt Skyba, and Helmut and Mary Skyba of Kalispell.

Werner was preceded in death by his father, Karl Skyba, and his mother, Lena Behrens.

As a teenager in the late '50s Werner's family moved from Germany to Kalispell with the aid and support of Mr. and Mrs. Bjarne and Gerd Froystad, Lena's sister. Speaking only German, Werner had to start school again with the children in grade school, but quickly learned English and graduated with hisFlathead High School Class of 1965.

After school he enlisted in the Army and served two tours in Vietnam with the Special Forces; remaining in the service for 27 years and retiring honorably as CSM of 3Bn, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash., 1992.

Having travel in his blood, Werner began his next career with his second wife, as part of a hotel husband-and-wife management team with La Quinta Inns.After stops in Bakersfield, Calif., and Santa Fe, N.M., he retired again and supported his wife in her career.

An excellent cook, Werner was creative "outside the box" and his rum cake was known to pack a punch. He was talented in design, landscaping his home from the rocks up; and after digging numerous holes in the unforgiving Arizona dirt, he planted trees that flourish today.

Only kidney cancer could take Werner's limitless strength and he died at home after a long struggle to live.The memory of his compassion, the warmth of his personality, and the strength of his positive spirit will be cherished in our hearts forever.Werner made life happen.

A memorial service for Werner will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.