Roll Call Tribute

Stephen Lawrence Skellie
August 28, 1962 - January 26, 2022

If you asked Steve how he was, his answer was always “Never better.” If you questioned him and asked “Never?”, he would reply “One day closer to Heaven, my Brother.” That was how Steve lived. Steve was sure and strong in his faith and loved sharing the gospel. Generosity in all aspects was Steve’s gift, and he wanted to give you the key to eternal life. On January 26, 2022, after 59 years of friendship and love with the Lord his Father, God called him up with immediacy and urgency.

Steve was born in Glens Falls, NY and grew up in Lake Champlain, Vermont, graduating early and moving out of his parent’s house at 16. After hearing of the riches in Texas (the oil field and probably the women), in 1980 Steve packed up and began his life in the oil and gas industry, starting in the offshore E&P sector then earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1991.

Steve had nearly 40 years of experience in the energy industry, ranging from offshore drilling rigs to full EPC projects throughout North America, developing, engineering, managing, and operating crude oil and natural gas assets. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer of LM Energy Partners, working with people he very much admired and respected. Prior to that, Steve held the positions of COO at STS Consulting Services, was a partner and VP of Engineering/Construction at Tristate Midstream, and VP of Engineering/Construction at Caiman Energy I – through its sale to Williams in 2012 where he was the Director of Midstream Operations at Range Resources. Steve began his engineering career with Western Gas Resources and was there through the transition to Anadarko Petroleum. While the professional segment may be a little long, it was within these companies that friendships were made, old stories abound, and life was lived. Steve Skellie: the engineer, the work horse, the buddy, the leader, the mentor.

Steve married and was an immediate father, adopting James Andrew, as his own. He then had three more children, Jacqueline Leigh, Stephen Thomas, and Michael Timothy. Steve proved himself to be a wonderful, dedicated father, an excellent dad. He always put in the extra effort for his children, wanting to take care of their every need. He never stopped loving them with all of his heart and he never stopped hoping, praying, and longing for them.

Steve and his son Stephen had an incredible bond. The kind I think every father hopes for when he looks into the eyes of his newborn son. Steve supported Stephen’s every possible interest; rodeo, welding, the Marines, ski instructor, surfer; it didn’t matter, Steve was just proud. They spoke daily, if not multiple times a day. They made time for each other, joked together, rode Harley’s together, shared the big things and things you maybe shouldn’t share! Steve and Stephen both made the time to include each other in everything. Their relationship was one we can all hope for with our own children. Both Steve’s were equally adored.

Steve and Jenny met ten years ago, and she fell instantly in love. It took him a bit longer. He called her his Unicorn, and she referred to him as her Dream man. They married in 2016 and rode the ride beautifully together. Navigating the difficulties, celebrating the victories, and taking time out for adventure, the best being a 4500 mile road trip on his Harley Davidson, stopping to see family and friends all along the way. The Chemical Engineer and the Kindergarten teacher dressed in full leathers and rocking to “Born to Be Wild.” They never quit and they never gave up.

Steve had more friends than a person can count. He had the ability to make friendships easily but valued these relationships so much that he put in the work to keep them close, strong, growing, and alive for the rest of his life. Relationships with Steve left you knowing you would always be cherished. Too many to list, some becoming brothers: Wild Billy Boy, Broham Sam, and PJB Phil Browning.

Steve, no one can ever replace a father, husband, friend, brother, son like you, but we know you are in Heaven and God is thrilled you are there. Your legacy is, and forever will be unmatched.

Steve is survived by his wife Jenny, his four children, Andrew, Jackie, Stephen, and Michael, his stepchildren Kyla and Hayden, his parents Stephen and Joan Skellie, brothers Russell and wife Di Skellie, John Moser and partner Claudia Duque, Donald Skellie, his sister Sharon and husband Brad Damron; Uncle John and Aunt Wanda, Uncle Bub and Aunt Jane, numerous cousins, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 5, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00pm for his friends and family to celebrate the life of Steve and all he meant to us. The address is Mexican Sugar, 3215 Regent Blvd., Irving, Texas 75063.

A formal service will be held on February 12, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2530 NY-28, Wevertown, New York, 12886.

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