PORTLAND – Andrew Perry Skorpen passed over March 7, 2011, apparently in his sleep, one week shy of his 44th birthday. Andy was born March 14, 1967, in Reno, Nev.
He was proud of his indigenous American roots and our family lore was that he was, by blood, in line for chiefdom had he remained with his biological family. At age one, Andy moved to Maine with his adoptive parents, Erling Skorpen and Elizabeth Moak Skorpen, along with five older siblings, and settled in Hampden. From kindergarten to high school, Andy attended Skitikuk School, Orono. He also attended Hampden Academy for a brief period. As a child, Andy loved the outdoors, including pond hockey, the deep snow and jumping off the porch roof into the large snow banks. At school he favored the jungle gym and the sandpit to multiplication and long division, although he was no academic slouch. In the summers he spent a great deal of time swimming in the pool, catching frogs in the pond and at the basketball hoop playing around-the-world on the gravel driveway. Andy had a special affinity for the array of animals that roved the humble family farm. As an adult Andy worked at various jobs, including positions at Bath Iron Works and construction, and he had a real pride in a job well done. He struggled mightily with alcohol dependence, and was fortunate to have many friends and professionals supporting him in riding the ebbs and flows of this Herculean battle through the years.
Andy was predeceased by his brothers, Per Anders Skorpen and Peter Kim Skorpen; and his father, Erling Skorpen. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Moak Skorpen, also known as Liesel; four siblings and their spouses, nine nieces and nephews. Andy also leaves behind a former companion, Sandy Mitchell, as well as other friends and supporters in the Portland area. As family members, our point of reference is Andy’s earlier years, and we think Andy would want us to give a particular shout out to the teachers and his friends at Skitikuk, where he spent many of his most personally rewarding, light-hearted and struggle-free years, sporting his infectious, mischievous smile.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation 1-2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a memorial service will be held 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Refuge League, attention: Gayle Dunnigan, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098. For additional information and to sign Andrew’s guest book, please visit
www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.