Obituary of John Patrick Skalla

John Patrick Skalla, 53, of Falcon, Colorado, has found comfort with the Lord in his new surroundings where the streets are gold and the stars are gemstones. John was born December 22, 1965 and left this world June 24, 2019 after a long battle with cancer. John was preceded in death by his mother, Patty L. Skalla. John is survived by his wife, Linda; his favorite sister, Jeannie (Mark) Hackleman; his brother, Jeffrey "Gomer" (Laurie) Skalla; and father, Raymond G. Skalla. John was a Colorado Springs native in the Black Forest area. He was a member of the boy scouts with achievement of Eagle Scout. He participated in 4H and won 1st place blue ribbons at El Paso County Fair with his apple pies. His junior high and high school years were spent playing and lettering in football, team roping with friends and developing his art skills. John attended Adam State College with the intent of becoming an art teacher. After taking a metalsmithing class, he started down the path to becoming a jewelry designer. John worked his way through college by creating clay pottery that he sold at local art shows. John, being the overachiever, graduated in a little over three years in a four year college. By 1991, he had his own studio, designing, creating and repairing jewelry. John was also a self-taught hand engraver, mastering the skill. As a guest of his father, John went on his first ride with the Pikes Peak Range Riders in 1991 and was voted in as a member in 1994. John became Co-Ride Director in 2000, Board of Directors in 2001 to 2003, and 2009 thru 2011, Treasurer 2002, Secretary 2009, Vice President 2010, President 2011, and Board of Directors for PPRR Foundation 2011 thru 2017, and PPRR Foundation President in 2014. John was instrumental in creating the PPRR Museum located at Latigo Equestrian Center. John was a great outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting with his trusty dog, Skye; fishing, boating, camping, ATVs, and riding his horse. He also loved to travel and never passed up on opportunity to taste the local cuisine. John was a great inspiration to others. He could never tell anyone no. The only thing that intimated him was technology, so don't expect a text from Heaven. He was the world's best husband, a hero to his siblings, a model son "the Chosen One" and "the Golden Child". John was a longtime friend to many people. He was the example people could learn from. Celebration of Life, 4:30PM, Sunday, June 30, 2019, Latigo Trails Equestrian Center (indoor arena), 13710 Hallelujah Trail, Elbert, Colorado 80106. Please bring your happy memories of John to share. Potluck immediately following, John wanted to have an old fashioned potluck and have everyone enjoy good food. His only request was everyone must bring their best HOMEMADE dish. Dress is casual. Contributions in John's memory may be made to: Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center, www.cstrc.org or Latigo Equestrian Center, www.atlatigo.com or the Pikes Peak Range Rider Foundation, pprrfoundation.wildapricot.org Events Celebration of Life Sunday, June 30, 2019 4:30PM Latigo Trails Equestrian Center 13710 Hallelujah Trail Elbert, CO 80106 Phone: (719) 495-0176