In Memory of Geoffrey Skog

Member of the North Kingstown Arts Council

1998 - 2008

It is with much sadness that the members of the North Kingstown Arts Council honor member and friend Geoffrey Skog. Throughout his illness, his commitment to life never wavered. He managed to maintain both his business and his great creative contribution to the Arts Council. In his final days, one of his thoughts was to complete his work on the Historic Wickford Lighthouse Project.  He also mustered the strength to create two amazing Geoff-o'-lanterns for the Spirits of Wickford event. His creative spirit, and sweet demeanor will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our condolences go out to his wife Christine and his family. We know that he and his buddy Jhett are together in a happy place.

Peace and fair winds to Geoff from all of us.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says "There, she is gone."

"Gone where?"

"Gone from my sight. That is all."

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone says "There, she is gone" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout - "Here she comes!"

~Henry Van Dyke