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DeWelle 'Skip' Ellsworth 1939-2008
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 22:33 — Ellsworth
Dear Friends,
With great regret and sadness I must inform you that my father, DeWelle 'Skip' Ellsworth Jr. passed away.
He died in his sleep on August 6th 2008, at his resort in Daanbantayan, Cebu Philippines.
Skip was a great man who touched many lives. He will be deeply missed.
Comments
Deepest Sympathy
Ellsworth and all other family members,
We are so saddened to hear this news - even though we never met Skip, we had a great deal of respect for him, and will always count ourselves very fortunate to have had the opportunity to benefit from his expertise through you, Ellsworth, and Steve at our class in 2005.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
God bless,
Vern and Sara Street
Sapulpa, OK
A legendary hero
A great loss of a great man, a true legend. Skip was one of my heroes.
I found this website about 6-7 years ago and emailed back and forth with Skip. He taught me many valuable lessons, aside from building loghomes. He opened my eyes and taught me about freedom. He gave me courage and confidence to walk the roads less traveled. Our meeting was meant to be, and for that, I am truely thankful. Thank you Skip!
My deepest sympathy for Ellsworth, Pam and the entire familes and friends of Skip. May his spirit soar forever free.
This is truely a sad day.
"Kola" Chiraco (pronounced Chair-ahh-koe)
Cripple Creek, Colorado
A Legend Passes
Being new to the log home community, Donna and I never got to meet Skip in person. But his legend in this community was larger than life. Even those of us who never knew him in person miss him deeply already.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and everyone whose lives were touched by this amazing man.
Condolences from Cebu
Greetings:
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Skip, both here in the Philippines and abroad.
I met Skip a number of years ago, while in Cebu City, where I now live. Fortunately, during the time (about a year) I lived in Bogo, Cebu, I was able to visit with Skip and spend time chatting with him, as I have a number of times, through our years knowing each other.
Unfortunately, I was there recently, but didn't get a chance to visit my long time friend. I will always regret not doing so.
He will be deeply missed.
Paul Petrea
Cebu City, Cebu
Heartfelt sorrow
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I am not yet a member, but have been very glad for the hope I have gained from this site and the promise of being able to build my own log home someday. Skip will be missed very much although I never met him. Jan
Deepest Sympathy
We are so sorry to hear about Skip. We never met him, but have been touched by how much he cared about so many things. His passion lives on in the life of Ellsworth, but also in the lives of all those he taught (himself or through Ellsworth). We are truly grateful for all that he did! Our prayers are with Ellsworth and the rest of Skip's family and close friends at this difficult time.
Dave and Debby Block
Deepest condolences from our family to yours
I am in shock at this late hour here in Florida. A late check of my favorite places brings such sad news. Sitting in his house last January, I looked around at the knives in the wall, the shrunken head in the case and the various collectibles covering seemingly every square inch of the surfaces of that massive house and I wondered about the legendary man who built it. How many lives has he touched? How fortunate am I to know those who knew him and learned from him and are carrying on his legacy.
Sensei... Your children taught me how to build a house. I promise to keep your memory alive in my own life and to always give you the credit for making me a little stronger, a little more free and less fearful. You touched us despite never having seen us, but we knew you were there. Mr. Skip Ellsworth, your karma must be sooo good. I read about the children and families that you raised money for to send them to doctors and hospitals in the Phillipines. Tonight my heart is both sad and joyful for you.
Ellsworth, my sincere condolences to all your family. May Peace always be in your hearts.
Sincerely,
Frances and Natalie Guinta
My deepest condolences and
My deepest condolences and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Mav
Everything in moderation. Even moderation.
He changed my life...
My wife and I took his class in 1989 just before we were married. As is the case with so many of the responders on this forum, the day before we first met Skip was in a different lifetime than the day after we met him. While we are just now finally building our dream house, there is no doubt that the last two decades of our lives were much fuller than they would have been without the "school of thought" that was instilled in us by that simple 26 hour course taught by your Father. He made it all make sense as though we had always known it all. What a talent he had for speaking softly enough that we would all listen. Please accept our condolences. You're right... He will be missed.
Ellsworth and Steve,
Ellsworth and Steve,
Because Skip dared and shared we dare to dream and build. May your memories of him bring joy to your heart that gives you strength in the coming days as you learn to live without him.
Frank and Kris Alvarez (class of Jan 19, 2008)
With Deepest Sympathy
How can a man never met touch so many lives so deeply? It's truly unknown, however that is exactly what Skip has done. Skip has made this world a better place and touched lives in ways that no other could. He will be truly missed.
My deepest condolences to the Ellsworth family.
Joy
Passing of a friend
To the entire Ellsworth family. It is with a heavy heart I send you my condolences. Skip was a true individual, great teacher, a warrior for freedom but most of all a treasured friend. He will be greatly missed.
Sparky
Sympathy
My deepest sympathy to all Skip's family and friends.
Once again I am reminded just how much we stand to lose unless we pass knowledge from generation to generation (in spite of how much we may think we are moving forward i.e. technology).
Skip's log home expertise is just one example of of this. I encourage you to keep up the good work Ellsworth.
God bless.
My sympathies to Ellsworth and family
I am very sorry for Ellsworth, Skip's wife, and all that have known him. I am very sorry that I never met him. I will never think of paying property taxes the same way again. There is now a hole that will never be quite filled. Take care.
Our Deepest Condolences
My deepest sympathies to all of Skip’s family and friends.
In this world there is no greater measure of a man than the legacy he leaves behind. I only know of the Legacy he leaves us in the LHBA and the continuing efforts to teach people how to live a dream, not just build a house. I am sure he was known for many other selfless acts. One cannot be so selfless in just one aspect of your life. Ellsworth and Steve continue to inspire many people in the ways taught by Skip and this is appreciated by all.
Dean & Carla
LHBA Class of Feb. 2006
Best investment of my life.
Skip
Most of you who are familiar with the Association know my story. I was widowed at age 30 with a one year old son and a ton of medical debt . That was in the mid 1980's. In 1987 I graduated from Skips three-month journeymans' course.
Skip gave me an avenue to redeem and rebuild my life. He taught me about true freedom and independence. He gave me an entirely new set of values and goals.
One measure of a mans life is the impact he has on others' lives. The thousands of individuals who have taken his course have all had their lives enhanced in one way or another.
Skip was able to encourage people to think and do for themselves. We are fortunate to have been touched by his wisdom and inherent ability to teach, his concern for others and his relentless pursuit of freedom.
In his last email to me Skip said " I have absolutely NO fear of dying, because I have faced death many times and therefore I have completely eliminated all of my fear of dying"
Skip had absolutely no fear of living either.
We have so much to be grateful for. His life was an inspiration to so many.
To Ellsworth, Liz, DeWelle,Fred, Chip, Flip and the family, my condolence for this huge loss.
I know through his strengths we will all find the means and methods to carry on and "fight the good fight".
Right now , we have some tears to shed.
My love to all,
Mikey Class of 1987
Sincere Condolences
I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Skip, but through Ellsworth and Steve's impressive knowledge and caring instruction I am building another "monument to Skip". My deepest regards to your family, let us know what else we can do as an extended family to pay our respects, besides building "monuments to Skip".
Warmest Regards,
Bill LaCrosse
News of Skip's passing has
News of Skip's passing has come as a shock to me, no less than had it been one of my own family members. I also never had the honor of meeting Skip, but feel as if I knew him personally. Clearly, he's left behind an indelible mark for the better for so many on this world. My heart is with all of Skip's family and friends. I hope his legacy continues on unforgotten.
Our deepest condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Travis R.
Class of Oct 7-8, 2006
from Cebu with Love
Before i made this comment, i was just surfing Skip's website (www.skipsbeachresort.com) for the first time. His website was amazingly made to entertain. Though the site is simple, but it caught my team's attention. All were entertained with the pictures, quotes, and stories.
Amazed and shocked.
I have never met or known Skip before. Just found his website.
As a filipino, we always value our culture and our freedom mostly.
Skip, significantly found the place were he was very happy.
When he quoted "...Filipinos are the most generous and hospitable people in the entire world." in his website, it felt that we filipinos made a good mark in this world.
I know Skip we'll be missed importantly.
My team's prayers are with your family and friends.
and again, just want to extend Skip's personal philosophy
"I love EVERYBODY and there's not one damn thing they can do about it."
Carl
Cebu city
There are no words...
Skip had a successful life. I thought so when I first met him in 1974 and it seems more true today. He touched a world of people with his message of freedom and self reliance. He provided well for his children even though his own father did not do as well by him. He chose his battles and fought them bravely. He lived a life with passion. Would that we all did.
Perhaps it's just selfishness on my part, but the world seems a little duller place without him.
Paul Kahle
Ellsworth wrote: Dear
skips passing
Skip Has Gave me a New outlook on life he will be missed never forgotten ellsworth and famliy my prayers for u Joe
Skip's Gift
I just attended class in April, but could tell the respect, admiration and affection you held for your Dad encased in the tolerance (tongue in cheek) of a son. From my brief contact, I like you and feel your loss. There are many things that could be said for the independent titan he was. My guess, though, his epitaph will be a "No Trespassing" sign. :~). I pray he is experiencing God's free gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. I am thankful to Skip for the gift I received through his son Ellsworth. My thoughts will be with you and those with whom Skip was close.
Please allow me to offer my
Please allow me to offer my most sincere condolences to the entire family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Skip and Chip in 2002 in Monroe, Wa. at class.
Skip was a truely unique individual with some very refreshing, unconventional, and provocative outlooks on life, freedom, and patriotism. After class we stayed up till 4a.m. talking about everything under the sun. I will treasure the memories I have of a man I knew only briefly but who had a great impact on my outlook on life, he will be sorely missed.
My Deepest Condoleances!
To The Ellsworth Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
MT
God bless Skip
I am truly sorry to hear of Skip's passing. I wish there could have been time to meet a true legend. I can say Skip has touched many lives, and his memory will not fade. Skip has the biggest family in the world. Ellsworth, God bless you and your family. You are a fine man to follow in your father's footsteps. Thanks for all I have learned from you.
The Sanguigni Family
The Measure Of A Man
It has been said that the measure of a man is by the friends he keeps. If true, then from what I've seen and read about Skip let's me know that he was truly a great man. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but having met Ellsworth I know that Skip did right by the way he raised his family. Don't shed too many tears for Skip because he LIVED his live to the fullest. I feel bad for his family and all of his loved ones, their loss is truly great. Our loss as his extended family is bad as well, but with folks like Ellsworth, Steve aqnd others who teach us the aspects of building our homes as well as taking charge of our personal freedoms, we will carry on as an organization. Since I read about his passing on, I have re-read some of his comments that are in the archives. I feel blessed to have been touched by his wit and knowledge.
Very sorry to hear
Ellsworth and friends... I am so sorry to hear.
The world is a darker place without your dad. There's one less man with real, old fashioned cajones.
I will pray for you guys tonight.
God Bless
God bless skip and family in this sad time. I'm very thankful for people like Skip who take time to share knowledge and enrich so many lives. Rest in peace Skip.
piker and family
beloved skip
My how we have all been touched by one person. A man with heart. I was honored to have met Skip, taken his class and been touched by his vision. I currently live in a home built by the sharing of this vision. I am honored that I have had the opportunity to have met this man and sat in his classroom. I will share what he gave me to the best of my ability. My condolences to his family, he will be missed greatly by us all.
Pam
The world is a poorer place
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Skip's death just now. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends, and pray that you will be comforted in the face of your loss.
I never got to see Skip again after taking his class back in the late 90s, but we kept in touch off and on over the years. We had spent several nights during the class talking quite late about log homes, Bruce Lee, politics, life, etc., and a solid friendship was formed that endured over the years. I was talking about him just last night to one of my colleagues. In spite of his frequent invitations to come and visit him in the Philippines, I was never able to. (Partially because his invites almost always spoke of the many beautiful women there--I don't think Skip ever remembered that I was married--and my wife wasn't too keen on that.)
We are all living in a lessened place with him gone.
Mark
Ellsworth, family, and
Ellsworth, family, and Steve,
I also want to say how truly I am sorry for Skip's passing. I so very much value his passion and commitment to freedom and self-reliance. He has taught many of us how to be real men by his generosity and his love for America. His work and values are an inspiration to us all. God bless you all and thanks for sharing your lives and family with us.
Take care,
Mark
To Skip and his family - my deepest sympathies
The bond between a father and son is a special one. I am so sorry to hear about Skip's passing. I did not know Skip but to hear his sons speak of him and the things that he has accomplished, I consider him a role model and a person that I respect. I respect also his family and all of the accomplishments in what they have done with this wonderful course and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to take the classes that I did and for the way that they opened my eyes to what is really the truth about being your own person personally, and financially. Skip is to be honored - for taking that risk and for bringing out what is (what I believe) essentially in all of us - self-reliance and creativity. I am very sad to hear of his passing. To Skip's family - I am sorry....Skip's sons have done a fine job of continuing on in their father's tradition. I am honored to know you all and look forward to seeing you again at some point...
GIVE THEM TOMORROW
I'M VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. I THINK A GOOD EPITAPH FOR SKIPS LIFE WOULD BE: " GIVE THEM TOMORROW" HE CERTAINLY DID THAT FOR HIS FAMILY, AND MANY OTHERS. SINCERELY, MARK GOFORTH. CLASS OF JAN. 19TH,2008
Words are at a loss.
Attended Class March 25th/26th of 2006.
Ellsworth and all of Skip's family, I am at a loss of words for your sorrow you must be going through. I did not get to meet Skip, I had planned on making a trip to his resort in a few years. His message of freedom from debt and his obvious concern at the loss of freedom in general here in the USA is one of the things that drawed me to the LHBA like a magnet. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and yours Ellsworth. Just remember all the good things about your father and time will heal the pain. GOD bless you and all of Skip's family and also his extended family.
Michael Rushing
My sympathy to Skips family and friends
My sympathy to Skips family and friends...The news of Skips passing caught me off guard as I'm sure it did all of us...I never got the chance to meet Skip in person but Have a great deal of respect for him . I am truly grateful for his teachings and the sense of family that exist within this very special group...My life has been forever changed for the better...Thank You Ellsworth , Steve , and all those that make this online community possible... Randy Titus ( LHBA Class of March, 2007 )
Skips Passing
Thanks to Skip for what he taught us
My husband, G., took Skip's class in about 1980. We married in 1987 and took the class together in 1990. We broke ground in '92 and moved in to our new log home in '97. Thanks to Skip for teaching us about financial self-reliance. This is a message needed by many right now. Out of the blue, I was just thinking of Skip a few days ago and so was very surprised to google him just now and find out that he had just died. To Skip's family and close friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.
M. Hoover
Ellsworth, my deepest condolences
Ellsworth,
I don't know you except for our meeting in class on October 20th 2007. I never met Skip. I have only been part of this community for 2 years. All that said I am very sad. I am sad Skip couldn't be with you and us longer. I am also very happy. I am very happy to have met you and read so much about Skip. I am happy I visited the home that you built with him. You have both touched my life. I will keep Skip and all of his family in my prayers. I will also keep Skip in my mind throughout my journey that I started last fall. Some how because he is no longer with us, I feel I will get to know him even better during this process.
Peace be with you.
Yoopers Pat
Ellsworth, I did not know
Ellsworth,
I did not know your father, and do not know you except for the time spent in class. I have heard you, of course, and others talk of him though, and have spent some time the past few days reading about him on the two sites. It makes me miss not having had the chance to meet him, but it is clear some of the best parts of him are alive and living on in so many of those he has met through life.
It seems, too, his influence on Belle shows in the pages she has written. My heart goes out to her as I know what it is like to mother young children who have lost their father, knowing the love & affection they will miss out on. It was good to read that Chip is like his dad, because I think he will hang on to that as he grows, and help pass it on to his brother. I was surprised to see it happen in mine to the degree that it did.
I wish you and your family, and all those who feel the pain of your dad's passing, well as you continue through life.
Valerie
Skip lives on.
Sorry about your loss. Just remember that skip lives on in every one he touched through his his life. Death is just a temporary separation. I know that you will have the opportunity to see him again.
Your brother in liberty, Colby E Hunt.
Ellsworth, I am very sorry
Ellsworth,
I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for carrying on his name and expertise and for being so good to me when I attended the class.
Larry Chesnut
Class Of Feb 17-18, 2007
Much appreciation for all your love and support
I'd just like to thank everyone for their love and support. It has been extremely comforting, and the family deeply appreciates it.
I know you all really loved Skip, and please know that he really loved you guys too. He genuinely considered every member to be a personal friend. All he wanted for every one of us was to have a good life; to have happiness.
Those were the same things that he was blessed with. He truly had an awesome life, rich and vibrant. A life full of family and love, discovery and adventure, service and helpfulness. He lived his life with meaning, thoughtfulness and with deliberateness.
As he told me just last week, "Son, I have absolutely NO regrets about my life." I wholeheartedly believe him. He was true to own essence, embraced everything, and regretted nothing.
Recently he said to me, "I have absolutely NO fear of dying, because I have faced death many times and therefore I have completely eliminated all of my fear of dying." While he was taken away far too soon, I know he was at peace with what was happening.
Again, thank you very much from myself and all of Skip's family. It really helps to know you all care so much, and that you all carry memories of my father close to your heart.
Skip
Ellsworth,
I never met Skip, but I feel like I know him through your stories as well as the life you lead.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
Travis
A big loss indeed
Our condolences first and formost. I always felt like I would meet Skip one day at his resort. It's a shame that I and many others will not get to.
He cast his net wide and far, and helped many along the way. His memory will last for a very long time for so many.
A great man, a great patriot and a national treasure.
Never in my life have I met a man that made such a significant impact and impression on me and countless others. He was always kind, sharing and humble for being such an incredible and accomplished person. His depth was endless. He would make time for you and treat you like his only friend and with sincere love. I cannot count the times I have thought of him and how much I treasured the times we were able to spend together having coffee and talking. May God bless his entire family and give them comfort with the loss of this tremendous man. I drive by his wonderful ranch daily. Today will be especially hard. America is great because of men like Skip. He leaves a unmatched legacy and standard we all can admire and are better for.
God Bless you Skip and your entire family. I will miss you. We all will my friend.
Much love and respect,
Paul Sedlak
My Heart Goes Out to Ellsworth and Family
My Heart Goes Out to Ellsworth and his family, including the "family" here at LHBA. Like so many others, I never physically met Skip, but I will be forever grateful to Ellsworth and Steve for "introducing" me to him through the class. It probably sounds trite by now, but I'm certain my life would never be the same if I hadn't stumbled upon this fine community when the yearning for a log home was re-ignited a few years ago. Thank you Skip, and thank you Ellsworth and Steve for the life-changing legacy.
Coincidentally (or not) I was just reading a newsletter during my lunch break and would like to share a quote from an article written about a daughter/father relationship evolving though the father's illness and death: "I've learned that death has a way of amplifying passions, accentuating beauty, sharpening focus, and opening doorways for love." (JoAnne Dodgson, from "Sacred Dance with Death: A Daughter's Journey")
Ellsworth, may the doorways of your heart be overflowing with love as it begins to heal.
Louanne
My Friend, Skip Ellsworth
Dear Ellsworth,
It is a pleasure to finally communicate with you and Skip's other close friends and or associates. My name is Paul Bax. I come from a different background then the majority of people here since I am a Bruce Lee historian/martial artist and became a friend to your father because of my interest in Bruce Lee. We began corresponding via snail mail back in 1997 and then continued via email from then on. I was fortunate to finally visit him at his resort this past April/May for a week for a martial arts workshop. The trip was an amazing experience and I am so glad I made the journey. The Philippines is an amazing place. Belle, "Chip" and "Flip" were all wonderful to be with and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Skip led an amazing life and was a truly unique individual.
His spirit will continue to live on through his many charitable efforts he performed for the Filipino people.
Salute to Skip Ellsworth, my adopted father.
Paul Bax
www.thejkdbrotherhood.com
P.S. Please feel free to view my pictures from the trip: http://gallery.me.com/pauljbax#100096
Celebration of a True Crusader
Skip
Thank you
Your dream goes on.
Bill P.