Remembering Skip Sheffield: Part 4
We will be honoring the life of Skip Sheffield throughout the week and will compile photos, stories, and memories of our beloved Entertainment Columnist. We have received photos, and letters like the one below since Saturday morning and we will begin to publish these online. We will print a special edition honoring Skip with some of his best stories, and letters like the one below. If you, or anyone you know, would like to share with us a story of you and Skip, please email us at pheizer@bocaratontribune.com. Send your photos, stories, and anything else you would like.
By: Emily Lilly
To my friend, SKIP SHEFFIELD, in your Heavenly home:
There are times in life in when God blesses each of us with new people; but, every now and then we get the opportunity to meet someone so very special that they become a huge part of our lives. You, SKIP SHEFFIELD, are that special person who impacted me and so many of all our lives in a multitude of ways. Although I still mourn your passing here, I know the Angels in Heaven are getting to know a larger-than-life kind of guy! Remembering the first time we met many years ago at the old Boca News location on 3rd street, many wonderful happy memories of our friendship throughout the years are now unfolding.
You were one of the kindest, smartest, humblest, most honest and most loyal I had the pleasure of knowing. There were so many occasions when I learned history and compassion for people and places from you. You had great admiration for God’s creative world of nature, making certain its beauty was shared in your writings and in your photos each and every day. I loved how you described the beach and all its components as your “home-away-from-home.” Your talent for creative writing was impressive and beyond measure. You wrote about living in various locations in Florida, including your adopted home of Boca Raton, as “learning experiences.” Never shy to express an opinion, you always found a way to show gratitude of each “experience” in a very kind way through reminiscing of days past.
Your expressions of family and faith were remarkable and inspiring. Love of family was at the top of your “what’s-most-important” list. I loved reading all the Facebook stories of your growing years, never a complaint, rather just an ordinary growing-up experience told in your own kind of special and loving way. With your sensitive and unique humor, you added much happiness to others even in times of personal challenges. Although you had every right to brag when remembering the famed people you met and interviewed (and there were hundreds!), the stories were always about “them” and not you. With such talent and with so many interesting experiences, I had encouraged you to write a book, but once again, you always reminded me that “you” were not story-worthy—-such humility!
Your love of creative arts and your own personal musical talents were extraordinary. Our cultural organizations, many local and beyond our area, have been uplifted by your encouragement and media stories. You graciously (and unpretentiously) attended our shows…..I know we all will absolutely miss your presence, along with the positive thoughts expressed in your articles. You may have had by nature a very soft-spoken voice, but when you took to the stage, you could belt out a song like no other. I am proud that you and your also-talented brothers performed on many occasions for a variety of audiences down through the years. I personally will really miss seeing you every Saturday morning at the Boca Raton GreenMarket; after making your regular purchase, you never failed to share a few sweet words of “what a wonderful day this is.” You always made our day a little brighter!
It has been my honor and a privilege to know you….thankful for the impact you had on so many lives.
You were a SWEET SOUL, a sincerely good person, and I will miss you.
Rejoicing that you are now in the presence of your Lord…..now, SKIP, rest in Heavenly peace
From your friend, Em….
