Brian Douglas Skinner

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Brian Douglas Skinner on November 4, 2024, following a fall, on what became his last hunting trip. Brian was born on a cold snowy day on December 7, 1942, in Conda, Idaho. The story goes it was so cold and snowy his parents, Rose and Theodore Skinner couldn’t get him to the hospital for 5 days. So, his birth certificate lists his official birthdate as December 12, 1942.

During his younger years, Brian spent time working as a miner, which didn’t pan out because he didn’t like being underground. So, he transitioned to truck driving and then to the police force, receiving top marks on exams in his class. After leaving the police force, he went on to Rocky Mountain Traffic Control. Not one to sit still, he stayed busy cutting trails, cutting firewood, gardening, reloading ammunition, doing anything mechanical and teaching children to hunt, fish, and shoot. 

After a bet with friends, Brian met his wife, Jamie, 35 years ago. I guess he won the “bet”. Brian loved his family, and he was meticulous, strong, and patient. It’s said he was the only person with enough patience to get Kevan to sleep! 

He loved hunting the Skalkaho area and anything elk! Talking about elk, scouting for elk, hunting elk, especially the nice fat cow elk! When not hunting he enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, racing (cars, snowmobiles, boats) and visiting Lake Powell. Sorry, to the many Lake Powell boat enthusiasts who tried and failed to beat his boat! 

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Jamie LeProwse Skinner; daughter, Denise O’Leary (Mike); son, Kevan Skinner (Mary Anne); grandchildren, Haley O'Leary (Jordan), Kattie Wachendorf (Jake), Amy Wachendorf (Brianne), Ryan Olona, Madeline Skinner; and a great-grandson, Hunter Lynam. Also surviving are in-laws, Joe LeProwse, Char Warren (Joe), Jodelle LeProwse, and Jon LeProwse (Allison and Family). 

He is also survived by goddaughter, Nevaeh Rumsey, a special little girl with whom he developed a great loving bond. They enjoyed playing in the hose, watering the yard, gardening, and eating strawberries on the back porch. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Theodore Skinner; stepmom, LaRue Skinner; siblings, Elden, Loraine and Dallas; daughter, Kim Olona; and his niece, Bobbi Jo York (the original squirt), whom he loved and missed so very much. Although Brian is no longer with us, we take comfort in the fact he is with Bobbi Jo, and, as we have taught Nevaeh, he will always be in our hearts! 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ICU nursing staff at Portneuf Medical Center for the loving care they provided Brian and his family during this difficult time. We appreciate the compassion they provided Jamie and family. A special thank you to Emma Hunter for the special care, attention, and encouragement she provided to Brian, when he needed it most. Our family will be forever grateful! 

No funeral services are planned. The family is planning a celebration of life in Butte, MT during the summer of 2025.

Memorials can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 5705 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula MT, 59808-9394.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.