Scott Alan Skiles

Scott Alan Skiles, 58, of Mechanicsburg and formerly of Hanover, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at UPMC West Shore Hospital.

He was born September 10, 1964, in Baltimore, MD to Michael Todd Skiles and Betty Ruth Sawyer Skiles Freeman.

Some of Scott's fondest memories as a child were spent sailing the Chesapeake Bay with his mother, with his cousins on his grandmother's North Carolina farm, his aunt and uncle's Virginia pro shop at a country club, and many weeks at The Woodlands Institute located in West Virginia. This is where Scott's lifelong love of the mountains, wilderness experiences, rock climbing, and backpacking began.

After high school, Scott moved to Summit County, Colorado where he worked for Keystone Ski Resort as an EMT and ski patrol. Scott spent his time operating large snowcats, working on extensive snow making and water management systems, operating complex controllers and pump stations, and managing mountain safety and terrain for avalanche control. Scott spent his free time perfecting his love of skiing, backpacking, and winter mountaineering.

Scott returned to Maryland where he began his 30-year career working as a Certified and Credentialed Irrigation Specialist. The scope and specialization of Scott's work in the industry led him to work with such entities as John's Hopkins University, National Park Service, The White House, United States National Arboretum, and numerous other government agencies. He also collaborated with many other companies on other federal projects throughout the Capital area.

Scott's truest love was spending time with his wife and two children. He was very supportive of his children's competitive swimming passion, never missing a meet, and always cheering them on. He also loved sharing his extensive knowledge and love for mountaineering and the natural world. Some of the most memorable family expeditions were to Mt. Washington, Spruce Knob Mountain, and the Adirondacks. He enjoyed long walks and playing ball with the family's beloved golden retriever.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Amy L. Skiles; one son, Logan Gabriel Skiles; one daughter, Araceli Grace Skiles; his mother, Betty Ruth Sawyer Skiles Freeman; his mother and father-in-law, Patrick and Dee McGuire; three stepbrothers, Bruce Lee Freeman, Paul Wayne (wife Tina Marie) Freeman, and Walter Austin (wife Terry) Freeman; one brother-in-law, Adam McGuire; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Scott was preceded in death by his stepfather, Walter Raleigh Freeman, Jr.; his maternal grandfather, James Murrell Sawyer; and his maternal grandmother, Mary Selma Davenport Sawyer West Smith.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 :00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 1 Peter Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 with Rev. Kenneth G. Smith as celebrant. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013.

To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.