Robert (Bob) Wyman Skidmore

Bob Skidmore (“Skid” to his friends) was born in his home on December 13, 1921, close to where the Tacoma Dome was built, and he hopes to celebrate his 103rd birthday at Franke Tobey Jones in 2024. He has lived in the Tobey Jones building since 2012 and appears to be the oldest living person on campus.  And he is in independent living!

Bob relates that he grew up quite poor, but says he never knew it, and had a great time growing up in the 20’s and 30’s.  He was determined to go to college and worked hard to pay his way.  His first job was at Mojean & Erickson, builders of mine sweepers on the Tacoma Waterway. While in college he had a number of jobs, but the one he loved most was being a fireman for the Tacoma Fire Department and delivering mail in the North End.  This was the first time that Bob became aware of FTJ and its beautiful campus.

Bob retired in 1997, after having practiced law since 1947.  He spent the last seventeen years of his career on the Bench as a Federal Bankruptcy judge.  He is happy to be a resident of FTJ and says, “It is the best place around, but it isn’t the home I left.”  (Interviewed by Beverly Werschul)

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