Boiler Bay Beacon
A widely-admired citizen whose influence shaped business and political life in Lincoln City, Ore. for two decades, John Skipper, 85, passed away July 11, 2018, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Beaverton following a routine surgical procedure, according to people who were there for his expected recovery.
A prominent citizen at city hall who once ran a spirited campaign for mayor, Skipper argued for fiscal accountability and property rights during frequent public appearances that often annoyed the ruling clique. He was the leading figure in a successful public vote to rescind laws he felt were unfair to vacation rental owners.
Named as a confederate of Mayor Don Williams in a spurious council-directed investigation, he reveled in the subsequent publicity, calling the failed probe a “witch hunt” and other quotable superlatives. He later became the leader of a political action committee that suffered a resounding defeat to fill council seats with like-minded people.
“He was indefatigable, even when he didn’t win,” said Williams, who recalled Skipper’s “quick wit” and generous nature. “He was a terribly kind man who would give you the shirt off his back.”
By the same account, he “didn’t suffer fools easily,” bringing his business experience to the table on city planning and budget committees. A former CPA and developer who had projects and properties around the country, moved from Florida to Lincoln City, he was named Realtor of the Year in 1999.
“He had already been successful in a multitude of different places, and he basically planned his last career here,” said Skipper’s boss and longtime friend, Dennis Regen of Prudential Taylor and Taylor Realty.
A fellow city hall watchdog, retired utility company manager Jerry Warner, said city officials “respected” Skipper, even if they didn’t always like his message.
“He was really passionate about improving the city and a respected player in town politics,” said friend Ross Smith, who recalled how Skipper once served in the Nixon administration on a price-control project that made him wary of government mandates. “He was more of a behind-the-scenes guy, except when he ran for mayor.”
The most exciting event of 2002 was the race between Skipper and Lori Hollingsworth, who won with a razor-thin margin of 60 votes.
Debbie Williams, who worked with Skipper in real estate, said he was active in St. James Episcopal Church and lived happily with a daughter, Janice.
