Tom

What have we been up to the past few weeks? Well, maybe it would be easier to ask what we have been up to. It has been a whirlwind month so far. It all started on the 1st...
My Mom flew in that day. It wasn't a planned trip. In fact she had bought her tickets less than 24 hours before she was in Utah. My Mom's brother, my uncle Tom, decided life was too hard here. Now grated he was dealing with alot of demons in his life- some self inflicted others not so much- but it was just not what anyone wants to hear. So, needless to say we spent all day Wednesday at the hospital (the paramedics were able to revive him), and then I went back to the hospital again on Thursday. When my Aunt Meltche and my Grandparents realized he wasn't going to make it they were able to start figuring out organ donations. So, through this awful tragedy we were able to bless the lives of three other. I was actually able to be there when he left this earthly life. I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I was really quiet and peaceful. They did warn us that it could take awhile, but it was very quick. It really makes you reflect on your own life and just how precious it is.
The funeral was a week later. It was really good to see all of the photos of him growing up. I was able to remember him how he was, how he was when I was growing up (he is only 10 years older than me). It was good to hear all the good stories and all the good things he had done in his life.
It was good to see my family pull together and support one another during this very difficult time. I am so grateful for each one of them. And even more so for the knowledge that I have about eternal families. That this life isn't it. There is more... an eternity of more.
Here is his obituary:
Tom returned home to out Heavenly Father on February 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 27, 1969 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edwin (Ted) and Miriam Smith Skeen.

Tom attended Dixie State College and was a natural and outstanding athlete. He had a sharp mind and knew the scriptures inside and out. Tom served as a missionary in Denver, CO. He was also an influential missionary in the Philippines. He met and converted Meltche, from the Philippines, whom he married January 20, 2009.

Tom had a special connection with nature, he also loved children and they loved him. Tom enjoyed tennis and was a professional umpire for the USPTA for many years. During that time he received the Junior McGovern Award for Umpire Excellence at the U.S. Open.

Tom had a big heart and compassionate personality; he was not materialistic and continually thought of the needs of family and friends. He liked to express his love to his wife and made a special effort to remember family and friends through cards, gifts and calls. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and those whose lives he touched over the years.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jed. He is survived by his wife, Meltche Skeen; his parents, Ted and Miriam Skeen; grandparents Patriarch Eldred G. Smith and Hortense Smith; sisters, Cindy (Bob) McCullough and Teri (Tim) Sullivan; brothers, Bob (Sue) Skeen, Jim (Desiré) Skeen, Joe (Paula) Skeen, Gary (Sylvia) Skeen and Scott (Gwen) Skeen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Mueller Park 8th Ward, 1320 East 1975 South, Bountiful, Ut., where a viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00 -11:30 a.m. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.