Sorry for the late posting friends, I find myself struggling to find my words this morning. The WHC family received terrible news last night.
Our dear John Skelson passed away yesterday, and suddenly our beloved friend is gone.
Most of you know John from his weekly Friday “Ship Spotting with Skelson” posts, brimming with his photographs of tugboats moving huge containerships up and down the Kill Van Kull.
John’s generosity spread beyond sharing his photos with us. John and his bride Phyllis would attend every Hidden Harbor Tour that they could, helping with holding signs and answering questions at dockside.
On board, you would always find Skelson on the bow – what I have always called – the photographers spot – taking photos and talking “shop” with fellow harbor enthusiasts and greenhorns alike.
What you may not know is that the Skelson’s would journey from their home in Staten Island into the city to photograph our indoor events like WHC’s annual fundraising gala and our “film night” in the early spring, and as some of you have read, even write posts about them for this blog.
John Skelson featured in the New York Times
At the annual Tugboat Race, you would find John hard at work, shooting the mighty vessels as they churned up the Hudson, capturing the expressions of all the kids competing in the spinach-eating contest, photos of lines in mid-toss, the tugs tied up at Pier 84…
When I got the news last night of his passing, my first thought was steeped in denial. “But, Barque Peking is going to be hoisted on a heavy-lift ship in the spring, I thought. You can’t miss that, John!”
It saddens me to think he will not be working at “the office” that day.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, John Skelson. I am richer for having known you. Rest in Peace my friend.
by Mai Armstrong
12 comments
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November 22, 2015 at 12:01 pm
tugster
RIP, my friend. What I will miss more than his photos is his presence.
November 21, 2015 at 9:25 pm
oneeggcream
Such a long long time to be gone and a short time to be there….
November 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm
TAG
What a tremendous loss. John was a true gentleman and a great photographer. I can’t even visualize being in the darkroom without him.
November 20, 2015 at 10:49 pm
Joseph Chomicz
Prayers to his family and friends. Rest in Peace.
November 20, 2015 at 8:47 pm
Jonathan Atkin
John Skelson was rooted in chronicling the ebb & flow of maritime commerce in NY/NJ Harbor with knowledge and passion. He was Indefatigable in that pursuit. His particular love for the KVK and the visual treasures he found there, was unmatched. There are too few who devote themselves solely to photographing maritime. Losing one colleague in this small fraternity diminishes us all.
v/r Jonathan Atkin.
November 20, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Stanley
A great person, a gifted photographer, and a real friend, and may you rest in peace….Stanley
November 20, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Kathryn mcvay
I will really miss his wonderful photos. RIP, Capn Skelson.
November 20, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Lois Stieger
I am so sad. He was someone you could always call for advise on photography, camera and anything else you might want to know. I am going to miss you so much!
November 20, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Anthony
RIP. I’ve enjoyed his photos
November 20, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Dale
I will miss his wonderful photos
November 20, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Harry T Scholer
We will miss John’s photos very much From the tugs to the containerships he always made his presentations new and different.
November 20, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Karen Sherman
So very sorry to hear this, Mai. Rest in peace, John.