Judge William J. Skow

Judge William J. Skow, 68 years, of West Toledo passed away of severe pancreatitis early Sunday , June 21, 2009 at Toledo Hospital. Born in Toledo, May 20, 1941 to John and Lucile (Alexander) Skow he took his interest in politics and ran with it like the athletes he admired as a child. He attended Harvard University and majored in American Government. After graduating from one of the country's most prestigious institutions in 1963, Judge Skow began studying for his J.D. at, "one of the better law schools in the country, then or now," the University of Michigan. According to the Judge, "Attending U of M's law school was a good decision. I've always liked Ann Arbor and I was ready to come back to the Midwest." The Judge was awarded the Bronze Star and discharged in 1969 after 22 months in the Army serving a year in Vietnam. During America's Bicentennial, Judge Skow got involved in the re-election campaign of 9th District US Congressman Thomas "Lud" Ludlow Ashley. After the win, Ashley's chief legislative assistant was given a position in President Carter's administration and the Congressman asked Skow to fill the now empty seat. Upon his second return to Toledo, the Judge resumed his private practice work for a couple of years until Governor Celeste appointed him to a seat on the Toledo Municipal Court Bench. After three years he was again appointed to a bench position by Governor Celeste, this time in the Common Pleas Court. He would remain a judge there for 19 years. The Judge has also been very involved for years in the Junior Bar Association's annual Gridiron Show. His dedication to young Toledo lawyers has earned him both the Order of the Sole and the Order of the Heel. After nearly 20 grinding years in Common Pleas Court, Judge Skow was endorsed and won the race, for Appeals Court in 2004 where remained until his death. A number of his opinions have been published and received commentary both locally and nationally. What the Judge really enjoyed were the people he worked with. "I've been very lucky in terms of the support staff I've had working for me. My bailiffs and court reporters too have always been top notch. My staff attorneys here are of the highest caliber. Also, I've found that both judges and lawyers in Toledo to be a pretty interesting class of individuals, interested in things well beyond the practice of law." He was loved for his humor and quick wit. He belonged to several organizations that promote Human Rights and Civil Rights. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Felicia Skow, daughters, Sarah Skow and Sasha (Bobby) Skow-Lindsey along with brothers, Jack (Olga) Skow and Jim (Kristi) Skow. The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful care given by the entire staff at Toledo Hospital's Medical Intensive Care Unit. Friends may call at the Coyle Funeral Home 1770 So. Reynolds Road Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. where services will begin at 7 p.m. Interment will be private. Memorials may take the form of a contribution to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104, the Toledo Chapter of the American Red Cross or WGTE Public Radio, Toledo.

Judge William J. Skow

May 20, 1941 - June 21, 2009