David vanDiest Skilling

David vanDiest Skilling, better known as Van or Dad or Grank, was born on September 16, 1933 to David and Eloise (vanDiest) Skilling in St Louis, Missouri. Having completed 88 rotations around the sun he departed this life on September 15 on the cusp of his 88th birthday.

Van was a collector of people with a big heart and a ready laugh. He was whip smart, an inspiring leader in business and a life-long learner and teacher. He was also the life of a party, the person you most wanted by your side in times of adversity, and the last person you would want to cross. He loved life and was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends, ideally serving them drinks and stories before grilling up some of his famous ribs (or one of his many other specialties) for dinner. For this reason, Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. An avid traveler, who had visited almost every corner of the globe, he was at home wherever he found himself in the world though he received his mail in Saratoga, Wyoming and Palm Desert, California.

In his professional life, Van retired as Chairman and CEO of Experian. Prior to Experian he was Executive Vice President of Information Systems for TRW. Before retirement he served on the boards of Lamson & Sessions, American Business Bank, McData Corporation, and First American Finance. Following retirement he served as Chairman of two public companies CoreLogic Corp and Onvia Corp, was a member of the board of Great American Bank, and an advisor and/or board member for several small firms and startups including Parchment, Verascape, kWh and Hummingbird among others.

Apart from his devotion to his family and friends and his business acumen, his passions included: Colorado College where he enjoyed some of the best days of his life, met his wife BJ, served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, taught Business Strategy, was honored as a lifelong trustee and was awarded an honorary doctorate; passing on his wisdom and experience to the next generation of business leaders; educating school children to importance of conservation as he led them on tours of the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA; Saratoga Presbyterian Church where he was ordained an elder at 87. And golf. He loved playing golf although the game didn’t always love him. A goal he never quite achieved was to shoot his age, but he never gave up trying and loved the effort.

In fact, this was a hallmark of his life. He never gave up and brought everything he had to whatever challenge lay before him. Whether it was a complicated business venture, coordinating the logistics of taking his family on yet another travel adventure, or improving a new recipe he was all in. His final challenge was to try and battle back to health after a mixture of medical complications put him in the hospital on August 9. He gave it everything he had and more and while he was not able to overcome the odds, he fought the good fight amazing the medical staff with his strength and endearing himself to his caregivers in the process.

His life motto was borrowed from Yogi Berra, when you come to a fork in the road, take it. This led to a life well lived. An adventure embraced. A family beloved. A community created. He made a difference in more lives than can be counted. He invested himself in his community. He served his country and his God with deep devotion. He left the world and the lives he touched better for knowing him. He loved well and was well loved and he will be deeply missed.

Van is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Jo (BJ) Chaney Skilling; children Kim (Steve Ranney) Skilling, son Mark (Jean) Skilling; grandchildren JD, Jeff, and Chaney Skilling and John (Regina) and Tim (Maggie Philips) Ranney. He had 3 great grandchildren, Lucy, Cohan, and Wrenley Ranney with a fourth on the way. He is also survived by his brother Jack (Mary Ellen) Skilling as well as many who considered Van their “adulthood dad.”

Well done, good and faithful servant. You have fought the fight, you have finished the race,

you have kept the faith. (Matthew 25:23 & 2 Timothy 4:7)

Celebrations of Life and Witness to the Resurrection will be held in Wyoming and California

Wyoming Celebration

Friday, September 24 @ 2 pm

First Presbyterian Church, 313 W. Bridge St, Saratoga

With a reception to follow at the Old Baldy Club

California Celebration of Life and Reception

Sunday, November 21 at 2 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim   

310 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92706   

Reception to Follow

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial gifts be made in honor of Van Skilling to:

Colorado College

PO Box 1117, Colorado Springs, CO 80901   Attn: Advancement

or online at ColoradoCollege.edu (use Give Now Button and select other)

Donations will support the Van Skilling Fund supporting student research projects through the Economics and Business Department.

The Living Desert

47900 Portola, Palm Desert, CA 92260    Attn: Development Department

or online at Livingdesert.org (use Donate Now Tab)

Donations will help continue to build the Living Desert Endowment Fund

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Condolences (13)

  • Don DePamphilis

    For whatever reason, Van's name popped into my head today, so I decided to look him up on the Internet. Upon learning of his passing, I felt a profound sorrow even though it has been more than 20 years since I worked for him at TRW. In many ways, I wanted to model my life after him. I always found him to be immensely inspirational, honest, fair, articulate, intelligent, and a wonderful storyteller.. I can say quite candidly that my life was made better for having known him. I imagine that many others who had the great pleasure of knowing him would say the same thing.

  • Roberta Scherbarth

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I am grateful I had the chance to work for Van, when he was the head of both TRW and then Experian, many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, at this sad time.

  • John & Lily Kessel

    BJ, Kim et al - The Kessel clan will forever be thankful to Van and you all for the kindness and adventures you shared with my mom and dad and we kids, in Palm Deseret, Saratoga and at CC. We all seek to be better people after interacting with any member of Skilling clan and will miss his laugh, wit, teachings and passion for life. As a CC Tiger, I always felt extra lucky to see Van's leadership on the board and in the Econ department. I will miss our dawn breakfasts before CC class at the Omelet Parlor and promise to keep casting one more cast on the water here at Bison Peak Lodge in his honor. We welcome all Skillings to come heal in this magical valley any time. Thank you BJ for sharing Van and your love for each other and life with all of us over the years.

  • Anonymous

    How do you measure the life of a man? Few men are giants but when you meet a giant, you never forget the blessing of being in his presence. Van was a giant in every aspect of life but he was the last person to recognize that fact. Whether it was his time, his many talents or his treasure, Van gave it all away to those privileged to know him. The world has lost a great treasure and BJ, his devoted wife, has lost the best friend ever! To BJ and the family, thank you for sharing Van with all of us.....his grateful friends!

  • Christopher F. Basirico

    To BJ and family, I gather I am not the first, and certainly will not be the last to have missed the pleasure of knowing you all, but enjoyed the immense privilege of calling Van a mentor and a friend, and want to share with you that he touched my life profoundly and his legacy will live on in so many. He had an impact on everyone I saw him meet and possessed a unique gift that made others aspire to be better, and spark belief that they could. To have such a tremendous individual grace others with a genuine care and willingness to be common, when we all knew he shattered the mold, was a blessing. I’ll take part of Van with me everywhere I go and I miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to you all. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. -Psalm 116:15

  • Debbie Cox

    I am grateful to have had the opportunity and experience of working for such an amazing leader. Van made you feel like family.  He created a work culture so that everyone wanted to work together, work hard and be successful. I have fond memories of Van walking the floors and stopping by my desk to say hello and have a quick chat. He was genuine and sincere. My condolences for your loss.

  • Duke Blackwood

    Van was a tower of a man in so many ways and the world is a better place because of him. He will be missed so much but will always be an angel on our shoulders. He's now playing thumper with Bruce, Micky, Jack and Mary Lou. Cheers!

  • Sherry Parlow

    Van was a wonderful loving Christian man who has left a wonderful Legacy. He touched so many lives and was so caring. Bill, my husband, remembers when he worked on the golf course at the Old Baldy Club the many wonderful visits he had with Van. I know deep in my heart that heaven has gained another angel, and I am so happy that we will see each other again. I know Van was a wonderful member of our church and will certainly be missed. May we all strive to be better and a good example as Van was. Much love and many prayers.

  • Kathleen Hybl

    Van was certainly everything that was said in obituary

  • Laura Mundy

    Van was a true inspiration to so many. He was kind, thoughtful, genuine, and caring. He led our division of TRW with strategy and flair. I will always remember his wonderful smile, heartwarming laugh, and who could forget his amazing jackets at the Christmas/Holiday parties! He made this world a better place. He will be forever missed.

    • Leslie Hunt

      Laura, it was his plaid pants. At the last Christmas Party he attended I finally got the nerve up to tell him I liked his pants and he said 'why thank you with a big smile'.

  • Norma Leichtweis

    I only met van a few times but I know his daughter Kim very well. She is the pastor of my church and I see so many of the qualities in her that are displayed in Van's obituary. After reading Vans obituary I can only say what a lucky family to have had a matriarch like Van Skilling, who will always be a beacon on the hill for all to follow!

  • Lynn Sandifer Winterboer

    Van not only played an important role in my own career when he introduced me to McDATA, but he was even more impactful to a high school student I introduced to Colorado College. She and I visited Van and he helped her see how she and the school were a great fit, and encouraged her to apply even though her family couldn’t afford it. She ended up with a full-ride scholarship and a wonderful educational experience. I am forever grateful to Van for seeing people’s strengths and encouraging us to stretch, grow, and ask for what we want!

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