SKUJINS
Mr. Romans Skujins Jr., age 86, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, in Muskegon, MI. He was born in Renceni, Latvia on October 21, 1936, to Romans and Ludmilla (BukBardis) Skujins.
When Romans was five years old, the Russians took over their 200-acre family farm in Latvia, and they fled to Germany. He, along with his parents and siblings, spent four years in German prison camps, before Europe was liberated. After three more years in Displaced Persons Camp, Romans and family arrived in Ronceverte, WV, under the sponsorship of Charles A. George.
Romans earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from West Virginia University of Technology and his Master of Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech University. He was employed by the United States Coast Guard, Fort Belvoir Laboratories, DECEC, NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and the National Security Agency prior to his retirement in 1995.
Throughout his career, Romans traveled extensively throughout the world, but Cape Hatteras, NC, remained one of his favorite destinations. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed photography, was able to fix and build just about anything, and cherished time spent with his grandchildren. Romans was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church of Whitehall and formerly a member of Enon Baptist Church of Frankford, WV.
On June 30, 1962, Romans married the former Carol J. King in West Virginia, and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Carol survives him, along with their children, Romans (Laura) Skujins III, John (Deb) Skujins, David (Brenda) Skujins, and Cherie Skujins; seven grandchildren, Samantha Skujins, Rebecca Skujins, Benjamin Skujins, Georgia Skujins, Sylvia Skujins, Dakota Wilson, and special grandson, Jeffry Winemiller; brothers, Juris (Lynda) Skujins and Ojars (Margaret) Skujins; sisters, Mara (Paul) Richie and Daina (Patrick) Kinlen; his nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog, Maggie. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Guida Skujins; and niece, Ariana Kinlen.
SERVICES will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Fruitland Baptist Church (4611 Orshal Rd., Whitehall, MI 49461) with Pastor Gene Walter officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to his service. BURIAL will be in Laketon Township Cemetery.
MEMORIALS in memory of Romans may be directed to Fruitland Baptist Church or to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, Poppen Residence.
You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
