My parents, Robert “Bob” and Marion Skyles, were brought to Evanston in 1927 by the Union Pacific Railroad, and my father was given a job at the railroad shops. They were asked to play in the Evanston Orchestra, and later, had their own orchestra. My mother served as the Uinta County Clerk.

I was born and raised in Evanston and graduated from Evanston High School in 1952. While in high school, I was elected student body president and president of the “E” Club. I was selected as an all-state football player, played on the first Evanston football team that won the state championship, and I was also on the all-conference basketball team.

I served as a medic in a “M.A.S.H.” unit of the First Armored Division in the U.S. Army.

I earned my bachelors degree in history and political science, and then a Master of Science degree in administration and psychology. My career began as a teacher, then an elementary and secondary principal, a director of education, an assistant superintendent, and finally, a superintendent of schools. I retired after 38 years as Superintendent of the Tooele County School District in Tooele, Utah.

I moved back to Evanston in 2000 and currently serve on the Museum Foundation Board and on the board of the Aspen Grove Townhouse Association.