Deceased September 12, 2011
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In Memory
Bruce Kennedy Skipton died Sept. 12, 2011, age 86. He was born in Springfield, Mass., on Aug. 31, 1926. At Amherst Bruce belonged to Phi Psi, lettered for three years on the swim team and was on the staff of The Student. He graduated cum laude.
In the 50th reunion book, Bruce wrote, “I started full-time employment on Sept. 21, 1947. As you read this, I will be completing 50 years of full-time employment.”
He began his career as treasurer of M.K. Skipton Co., 1947-55, and Dictaphone 1955-64. He then became a buyer for Forbes and Wallace Sporting Goods, 1964-68, and Halles Brothers, Cleveland 1968-70. From 1970 to 1973, he was the store manager for Fun Shop, a division of Shop and Save, and then onto Ray/Black Association as vice-president and treasurer, 1974-83.
After stints at Bradlees and Chicopee Savings Bank, Bruce joined the West Springfield School District as a vocational counselor and started many innovative programs including “school-to-work summer programs.” He was with the high school for 26 years.
Bruce enjoyed singing with the Springfield Symphony chorus, the South Hadley Chorale group and with several church choirs. He was an avid skier, a ski patrol member and a ski instructor.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Harriet Close; two children, Jeffrey Skipton and Virginia Wilson; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He will be missed.
—Celeste Ringuette W’48