Alvin Clyde Skotty

Alvin Clyde Skotty passed away on February 26, 2014. After 88 years, he departed this life peacefully to join his beloved wife Constance, who passed away on December 3, 2012. He was born on September 9, 1925 to George and Alice Skotty in San Bernardino, California. He attended Riverside Poly High School in Riverside, California, until enlisting in the US Navy, eager to join the war effort. While in the Navy from 1943 to 1946, he served as an aviation machinist mate and was honorably discharged. For the rest of his life, he was a proud veteran of World War Two and member of the greatest generation. Returning to civilian life, he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree, from Riverside College, where he was president of the Gamma Iota Alpha fraternity, and attended Cal-Aero Institute in Glendale studying electronic packaging engineering for the aerospace industry. While at Riverside Poly, he met Constance Boosey in a typing class. On their first date, Al, who was an accomplished swimmer, attempted to impress her by swimming across Balboa Bay to Balboa Island at Newport Beach. It was a one-way trip, though, owing to exhaustion. Fortunately, with a lucky nickel kept in his pocket, he was able to commandeer transportation back to the mainland to resume romancing Connie, an activity that would continue for nearly seven decades. They were married in 1949, and began raising a family with Donald (1953), Rodney (1956), and John (1958). Al made a career in the aerospace industry as an electronic packaging engineer. He helped to design, manage, and lead on some of the most technologically advanced space and defense programs. As a contributor to America's exploration of space, he was well-respected for his creativity and precision. From 1952 until his retirement in 1988, he worked for Hunter-Douglas (1951-2); Convair, becoming General Dynamics (1952-62); and Martin Marrietta (1962-88). He constantly distinguished himself with consistently high quality design work. On numerous occasions, he took the initiative to analyze problems and develop corrective plans leading to several awards throughout his career. In 1955, they built a house in Montclair near his work at General Dynamics. In 1962, he was hired by Martin Marrietta, taking him to Littleton, Colorado, where the family lived for the next sixteen years. Seeking to take most advantage of the Rocky Mountains and environs, Al led the family in a life of excitement and adventure. Summer weekends were spent camping, fishing, and exploring; winters skiing. Al's and Connie's priorities were to enable a full and happy family life. They also cultivated a strong religious upbringing, and were active members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. They moved to Aurora in 1985. After Connie died, he and son John moved to his final residence in 2013. All along the way, Al was an active and dedicated member of the communities where he lived. While living in Montclair, he was the Secretary of the Trinity Lutheran Voters' Assembly, Boy Scout Pack Committeeman, and Commissioner of the Monte Vista Fire District; in Littleton, he was a leader in his church council; and at Heather Gardens in Aurora, he volunteered to teach computer skills to residents. He was modest and without pretense – always committed to others rather than himself. With their sons gradually leaving the family-home starting in 1971, and both Connie and Al looking towards retirement, travel beckoned. They did so extensively: at first, domestically, then internationally. Their priority, though, was to enjoy the company of Donald's and Rodney's families. They relished their responsibilities as grandparents to which they applied their passions with gusto. Throughout, he devoted his life to country, community, friends, and family. He entered this world on the brink of the Great Depression; he matured answering the call to defend his country; and he evolved by embracing the appeal to conquer the new frontiers of space; but more than anything, he thrived in the company of his wife and family. Ironically, despite the swirl of history, as witness to the vast change of a complex world, he possessed a simplicity that most might consider archaic. And this is his greatest legacy: quite simply, Al Skotty was a patriot, professional, father, grandfather, and husband. Alvin Clyde Skotty is predeceased by his wife, Constance Lorraine Boosey Skotty; his father, Mr. George S. Skotty; mother, Mrs. Alice Schofield Skotty; and brother, Mr. William George Skotty. He is survived by his son, Mr. Donald Raymond Skotty and his wife, Ms. Anne Espenan Skotty of Breckenridge, Colorado, and their daughters, Ms. Samantha Marie Espenan of London, England, and Ms. Alexa Alice Skotty of Breckinridge, Colorado; son Mr. Rodney William Skotty and his wife Ms. Rebecca Rumble Skotty of Greene, New York, and their daughters, Ms. Sarah Skotty Powell of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Dr. Hannah Schofield Skotty, Captain, USA, DVM of Freisen, Germany, and their respective husbands, Mr. Scott Powell and Mr. Michael Dunlap; son Mr. John Alvin Skotty of Aurora, Colorado; and sister Mrs. Virginia Skotty Greek of San Juan Capistrano, California. Al would have asked that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, in lieu of flowers. Please share your memories of Al and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.