Our community was deeply saddened by the news that Thomas “Skip” Eytalis (#166) has passed away after a battle with cancer. Skip, as he preferred to be called, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 30, 2025.
Skip loved to camp using a tent and later moving up to a motorhome. His parents had a summer home in Wisconsin and he loved to take the family camping in that area. They traveled to 49 states in their RV and also traveled to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. He also enjoyed riding on a train and took the family on many cross country trips via Amtrak. Skip and Sue moved into Timber Valley on September 7, 2010 and both have been active members ever since. Skip was a Junior Achievement member as a teenager and later a leader. He was a boy scout leader, managed a youth baseball team and took them on to win a championship. In his spare time he was a volunteer fireman and a member of the ELKS where he received Elk of the year award for his outstanding volunteer work. He worked at many jobs from mowing lawns and shoveling snow as a teenager in Illinois to several sales jobs and management jobs in California. Years ago and on one of their many “road” trips they came to this area of Oregon and he said, “We are going to retire here.” Thus that is how they made Douglas County their home.
At Timber Valley, Skip was an active member of a number of committees, was elected to the Board of Directors, and was always ready to volunteer when there was a project to be done. His favorite volunteer job in Timber Valley was being a member of the Men’s Cooking Group where his specialty was grilling ribs and pork chops.
He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. In later years, he became a fan of the San Jose Sharks hockey team. They attended the opening game of the Sharks in San Jose.
Skip is survived by his wife Veronica “Sue” Eytalis, children Michele, Chuck, Julie and Mark. Eight grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, his sister Paula and brother Tony. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
At his request there were no services. The family gathered for a private service and raised a glass of beer in his honor at a local watering hole in Roseburg..
Sue would like to thank the Timber Valley community for your understanding and concern during this difficult period.
Sue, Skip will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with you.
Skip’s passing leaves a huge hole in my heart. One could not possibly ask for more caring neighbors than Skip and Sue. Skip picked Tom off the floor several times during his illness and we enjoyed many good times sitting on the patio in the late afternoons.
Sue, my thoughts are with you and your family. I did not know Skip well, but am grateful for the service he did for Timber Valley. Hugs to you.