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Update on Ted Skipper

   Portland, Ore.

Ted R. Skipper, 37, Gresham, who survived a small-engine airplane crash last Tuesday, Oct. 16, in which his cousin Art Skipper Jr., 31, Gresham, suffered fatal injuries, continues to improve at OHSU Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University. He is listed in fair condition and will undergo additional surgery later this week.

In response to requests for more information, Ted's parents, Bob and Ilona Skipper, have made family photos available on the OHSU News and Publications Web site at www.ohsu.edu/news, and have prepared the following statement and brief biography:

"Ted Skipper has made significant improvement following his surgery at OHSU. His family continues to be pleased and amazed by his progress. OHSU Hospital doctors, nurses and staff are directly responsible for Ted's recovery. Ted's physical conditioning for motor cross cycle racing -- an event for which he has won hundreds of trophies and held numerous titles, including N.W. Motor Cross Champion and four Stroke Nationals -- his regular workouts at a local gym, and last, but not least, his determination to get well are all, undoubtedly, factors in his recovery.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Charlotte Painter, Sandy, Ore., who placed the 911 call, and to the Sandy Police and Fire Departments, the Life Flight crew, and the OHSU staff for their professionalism. In addition, we are so grateful for the support provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, and the men and women of the Portland Fire Bureau for their assistance to our families during this very difficult time. It makes us so proud to be a part of two such fine and caring organizations. Again, we are so thankful for the outpouring of support and concern we've received from everyone."
-- The Skipper families

BIOGRAPHY

Ted attended Orient Grade School and Sam Barlow High School. In high school he developed numerous interests, launching his cycle racing career at the Barlow Spring Festival. He participated in the Home Building Program and later, at age 24, built his own home. He took part in the high school shop program, working as a shop aid, and he also played football.

After graduating from high school, Ted attended Mount Hood Community College, where he made the Dean's List and graduated with honors. He then went to work for Boeing of Portland as a machinist. While working for Boeing full time, Ted enrolled in college and completed his bachelor's degree in business.

He then moved to the aircraft production and planning department at Boeing and was sent to Philadelphia, Pa., to help with the production of a new type of helicopter.

Upon completion of that project, Ted returned to Boeing of Portland as a computer programmer. During this time, he pursued several other personal goals and hobbies, including becoming a licensed and instrument-rated pilot. While his dad, Bob Skipper, was Multnomah County Sheriff, Ted volunteered as second pilot in the sheriff's plane for criminal investigations. He became a certified scuba diver and pursued his love of water skiing and MX racing, and taught Jr. Scholastics classes and participated in the mentor program.

In March 2001 Ted achieved a longtime personal goal of opening his own machine shop, S-3 Manufacturing, in Gresham. Since starting his own business, he has worked for various companies, including Ratheon Aircraft Company of Kansas. His shop also specializes in motorcycle suspension systems.

Ted's immediate family includes his parents Bob and Ilona Skipper, Gresham; his sister, Teresa Jordan; brother-in-law, Brent Jordan, a sergeant with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office; and their daughters, Corrine Jordan, who attends Barlow High school, and Candice Jordan, who attends Orient Grade School, all of Gresham.

For those who wish to make a financial contribution in memory of Art, two funds have been established: The Art Skipper Memorial Fund, to benefit his wife Kamala and their unborn child, and The Art Skipper Scholarship, which will be awarded to a high school track and field athlete.

There will be a memorial service for Art Jr. on Suday, October 28, 2001, at 2 p.m. in the Sandy High School, Gym A.

MEMORIAL FUNDS:

 

Art Skipper Scholarship Fund
Clackamas County Bank
P.O. Box 38
Sandy, OR 97055
503 668-5501, Ext. 2509    

Art Skipper Memorial Fund
Clackamas County Bank
P.O. Box 1680
Gresham, OR 97030
503 665-9444

Ted Skipper Medical Fund
Clackamas County Bank
P.O. Box 1680
Gresham, OR 97030
503 665-9444

ADDRESSES:    

Cards and letters for Ted and his family may be sent to:    

OHSU Hospital
Adult Intensive Care Unit 7A
3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, Oregon 97201
   
Cards and letters for Art's family may be sent to:    

David Douglas High School
Attn: Randy Hutchinson
1001 S.E. 135th
Portland, OR 97233
   

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