Michael Edward Skelton

Also known as Mike, Dad, and most importantly, Deda to his beloved grandbeasties.

Born in Nampa, Idaho, and most recently residing in Calgary, Alberta, Michael Skelton lived a life fueled by coffee, sarcasm, hockey, heavy metal, and tacos—so many tacos. He also had a deep, undying love for his people (and his pets—maybe especially his pets).

Mike is now reunited with his parents, James Skelton and Naida Peterson, and his brothers, Reed Skelton and Mitch Skelton. They’re all together again probably getting into some sort of mischief, just like old times.

He is survived by his wife and final partner-in-crime, Mrs. Tanya Skelton (wife #4—but clearly the keeper), who kept him laughing, grumbling, and well-fed.

He is also survived by his children, whom he loved fiercely and in his own unapologetic way:

– Michael Skelton “Mikey” 

– Laura Rose Lunt “Pips”

– Jennifer Jean Ottaviano “Dinks” 

And by his stepchildren—his reward for multiple marriages, and his great joy to raise as his own:

Courtney Ray, Jess Bray (who preceded him in death), Teagan Bray, Camille Holm, and Brooklyn Wilson.

His pride and joy were his grandbeasties:

Audra (aka Little Bit), Eden, Desiree, and Michael Lunt, along with Miller Ottaviano—his personal fan club and the only people allowed to get away with absolutely anything.

Mike worked at Denny’s for his entire life. His family is pretty sure he was born wearing a Denny’s chef’s hat. He started at age 14 as a dishwasher and worked his way up to his favorite role: opening new restaurants. He flipped more eggs than any one person reasonably should in a lifetime, managed chaos with skill, and brought his signature brand of gruff kindness to every shift. He was loyal to a fault, stubborn to the bone, and opinionated about absolutely everything but if you were lucky enough to be loved by him, you felt it deeply and without question.

He was a die-hard fan of hockey, baseball, heavy metal, and anything spicy enough to make you sweat. His favorite things included Salsa Brava, tacos (he never met one he didn’t like), Fireball, and yelling at hockey games, often all in the same night. Bold, commanding and a little fiery—just like him.

Mike was also a soft-hearted dad to his four-legged “kids” Rosie, Clyde, Groot, and Yahr. Yes, he liked dogs and cats more than most people and honestly, who could blame him?

He had a signature sound effect—“de de de daaaa!”—that made its way into family lore and somehow summed up his whole approach to life: unexpected, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the kind of headstrong personality you only get to experience once in a lifetime (unless you knew Gram—that’s where he got it from). He will be deeply missed, endlessly quoted, and always remembered with a smile, a groan, and probably an eye-roll.

A celebration of his life with tacos in his honor and stories shared among friends will be held on September 27th. Details to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter in Mike’s name. He would’ve loved that.

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