Norman Ellsworth Skabo

Norman Ellsworth Skabo died at his home in Hope, Idaho, on July 8, 2013 at age 101. Norman Ellsworth Skabo was born April 15, 1912 at Manitou, North Dakota, a village that today exists mostly in name only. It is located in Mountrail County, about 18 miles west of Stanley, the County seat. His fathers name was Nels Skabo and his mother Johanna Johnson Skabo; they were married at Abercrombie, North Dakota. His mother emigrated from Norway as a child and his father at about age 19. When asked his occupation Norman’s father usually responded with the word “smed” which means metal worker, but in rural America it usually means blacksmith. Before moving to Manitou in 1902, the Skabo family lived in Abercrombie. There were eight children born in the family, namely Ingwald, Pauline, Olga, Mabel, Peter, Noressa, Norman and Phillip. Norman was the last survivor of the Skabo family. He never married. Norman attended country schools south of Manitou and in 1930 graduated from the Manitou High School. He then became a partner in the Skabo family farm where he worked and resided until he retired. The Skabo farm was a diversified operation best noted for producing high quality Aberdeen Angus breeding stock, some of which traced roots back to the importations by Jim Hill from Scotland. Norman’s retirement marked the end of the Skabo family farm operation and the four partners, Ingwald, Peter, Noressa and Norman Skabo moved to Hope, Idaho where they resided until each passed away. While considered a very good farmer rancher, Norman had a consuming lifelong interest in music. He possessed the remarkable ability of playing “by ear” any music he heard, usually playing it on his accordion. For several years he headed up a small orchestra consisting of himself, his brother Peter, sister Noressa and frequently Lennie Texel that played for local dances in North Dakota. He played the organ until well into his 90’s. Norman’s musical ability made him a good teacher, frequently helping young people learn the elements of music in the same self taught manner he himself perfected. In later life when asked about his life work he would usually respond he would have preferred to be a professional musician or an engineer. His many friends with whom he spent happy hours will remember him as a very adroit card player. Norman also will be remembered by members of the Hope and Clark Fork communities as a friendly person who would go out of his way to help others. Niece Evelyn Blair of Everett, Washington, and nephews Donald Bothne of Everett and Robert M. Holter of Great Falls, Montana, and many grand nieces and nephews survive Norman. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the care givers in the Hope community who helped Norman during his last illness. So to Cheryl, Ruth, Sandy, Sharon, Cheri and Sarah, our greatest thanks. We also express our thanks to the Bonner Community Hospice for their loving care to Norman.