Josef L. Skupa December 17, 1978 - June 27, 2012

Joe was born to Richard and Rebecca Hutchins Skupa in Pasco, Washington. His family moved back to Camp Sherman when he was 5 years old but later moved to Portland for the remainder of his childhood.

He continued to spend a great amount of time in Camp Sherman enjoying the beautiful outdoors with his family and spending time at their family cabin on the Metolius, which was built by his great-grandfather. 

Joe was a gifted artist who loved to draw and paint and was recruited to attend the Pacific Northwest Art Institute at age 11. He was commissioned to do murals and posters for schools and businesses.

The garden is another place he exhibited his artistic talent, where he produced beautiful works of art in shrubs and trees as an ornamental arborist.

Joe had a passion for music and was a self-taught guitar player and drummer who later enjoyed playing in bands. Writing songs and poetry was also one of his pastimes.

He had been helping to remodel a house where he and his girlfriend of 7 years, Kate Poché, planned to live together with their dog, three cats and bird.

Joe had also been developing an extensive vegetable garden and was preparing to cultivate bonsai trees, something he'd always wanted to do since becoming passionate about horticulture.

He had a big heart for injured or abandoned animals and rescued many over the years, many of which became beloved pets.

Joe was a beautiful soul, a man with a good heart and good intentions who went out of his way to help others. He had a very positive impact on his peers who often commented on how insightful and encouraging he was. He was full of so much love and compassion. His easygoing and friendly nature will be deeply missed.

Joe is survived by his mother, Becky, and father, Richard, of Camp Sherman; his sister, Sami; his half-brother, Charlie; and his girlfriend, Kate.

A celebration of life ceremony, followed by a barbecue, will be held on Saturday, August 18, at 3 p.m. at his family's cabin on the Metolius River (13551 S.W. Tract C Ln., Camp Sherman).