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Brad Shannon maintains this blog. He is political editor at The Olympian and can be reached at 360-753-1688 or bshannon@theolympian.com.

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Cancer takes life of former state Rep. Mary Skinner of Yakima

• Published February 05, 2009

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The tributes are starting to roll in for former state Rep. Mary Skinner, the seven-term Yakima Republican who died at home this morning of cancer.

The daughter of migrant workers was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. Her death comes on the heels of cancer-related deaths of Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, and Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, both of whom died in the past six weeks.

Skinner represented the 14th district and was vice chair of the House GOP caucus before retiring last year, citing her elderly husband’s heart problems. Rep. Norm Johnson was elected to fill her position.

Services are pending for Skinner, 63, and her 88-year-old husband, Dr. Henry Harlow “Hal” Skinner, who died Jan. 17, according to this announcement by the House Republican Caucus that includes good background on Skinner’s extensive community service, including volunteer work with some 18 organizations.

The GOP news release quotes Johnson as saying:

"This is a devastating loss for our community and for the state. Mary was one of the kindest, most caring and selfless individuals I have ever met. She loved the Yakima area where she grew up and lived nearly all of her life, and she was happiest when she was helping people."

State Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches, said this:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary's passing. She will be dearly missed. … Her legacy will live on in the many boards and organizations she founded or participated in. As a legislator, she did so much for the people of the state. Mary touched many lives in Olympia and at home with her warm spirit, and she will never be forgotten." Gov. Chris Gregoire issued this statement:

"Rep. Mary Skinner brought so much professionalism and enthusiasm for public service to Washington’s Legislature. She will be sorely missed by those who worked with her, and those she served. Mary had such a profound impact on the Yakima community. She was a staunch advocate for children, and played a critical role in securing funding for Yakima’s downtown revitalization projects. She is leaving a tremendous legacy for many generations to come. My family and I will certainly keep Mary’s loved ones in our prayers."

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said this:

"Our entire state has lost a true champion and genuine leader today. When it came to making a difference and doing the right thing, Mary didn’t see party or differences, she would work with anyone on the issues important to her community. And she did it with kindness. Thanks to Mary’s passion, Washington’s children are safer, our health care system is better and the Yakima Valley has benefited from her advocacy and success. My thoughts are with her family and friends, she will be missed."

Skinner was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2006 and later underwent surgery and chemotherapy, believing the cancer had gone into remission. That status had changed by last August, when Skinner disclosed to friends the cancer had returned.

Her numerous civic roles included service on the State Board of Education representing the 3rd Congressional District when she lived in Olympia more than 20 years ago. She taught junior high school for a short period and belonged to the Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley, was director and co-founder of the Washington State Medical Association Auxiliary Foundation and had served on the state Arts Commission board.