FALMOUTH — George Skillin, 94, a longtime Falmouth resident, died on Dec. 27 at home with his family by his side.

Skillin was born in Portland on April 27, 1917, the son of George W. and Francis Pelton Skillin. He lived most of his life on Allen Avenue Extension in Falmouth, first at the farmhouse with his parents and later with his step-mother, Anne.

In 1937, he and Ethel M. “Betty” Blanchard were married. They built their home next to the family farm where they raised their children and lived together until Betty’s death in 1991, after 55 years of marriage.

He began working at the S.D. Warren Smelt Hill Power Station at the age of 16. He later worked for Southworth Machine Company as a machinist before returning to S.D. Warren where he worked until his retirement in 1979. He was also an active member of Falmouth’s Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years.

A strong patriarch, Skillin mentored his family by example. His playful heart and strong work ethic helped define who he was.

Among his greatest joys were electronics, his scanners and machinery. As late as last summer he could be seen riding his tractor in the yard.

He also loved camping, car trips and family gatherings, and photographing these events.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ethel, and many relatives and friends, including a special friend, Nancy Peterson.

He is survived by his three children, George and his wife Rosemary Skillin of Gorham, Carolyn Read-Sweeney and her husband Richard of Falmouth, and Janice Strout and her husband Nathan of West Gardiner; seven grandchildren, Lisa Payer, James Read, Robin Leeman, Tamara Geyer, Kelley Skillin-Smith, Mary Beth-Howe and Amy Lamarre; 10 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held on Dec. 29 at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. Interment will be held in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.

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