Dr Skog, Head of the Ikenobo School, passed away on Monday, October 13th, following a period of poor health.

Some will remember our year-end General Meeting last June with Dr Skog doing a demonstration, accompanied and solicitiously assisted by his daughter, Leslie and her son, Loren.

In 2012, he kindly shared photographs after participating in the 550th Anniversary + Workshop, Kyoto, 18 November.

Chapter members remember their teacher and friend:

 

 

 Dr. Skog was a wonderful ambassador for Ikenobo.  He was patient, kind, and highly skilled.  I treasure my time with him.  —Allison Boucher

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When I moved to Portland five years ago, my Ikenobo teacher in California referred me to Jim Skog. “Dr. Skog is a wonderful teacher,” she said. “You are lucky.”  She was right.  Dr. Skog received most of his training at the Ikenobo School headquarters in Kyoto. He travelled to Japan 28 times. In his retirement from dental surgery, Ikebana became his passion and his path. We will miss the elegant drama of his arrangements, and his deep understanding of the history and esthetic behind the art form we all have come to love so much.  Most of all, we will miss him as a teacher and a friend.  —Kathryn Cochran

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It is poignant to pay tribute to my Sensei, Dr. Jim Skog, as a student in his Ikenobo classes.   He shared  his keen knowledge and expertise that made his critiques meaningful. Yet, it was always a surprise when he snipped a flower, or leaf, to form a perfect arrangement, with “Gomen-nasai”  We will miss him very much.–Dorothy Moshofsky

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Some years ago, ever since my former, elderly Ikenobo teacher no longer recognized anyone, I have been wanting to find another opportunity to refresh what I’ve learned.  After reviewing all my certificates, Dr. Skog agreed to take me as his student.   Words are inadequate to describe the joy we both treasured and enjoyed during class, often completing 4 or 5 arrangements by the end of the two hour class.   He unselfishly shared his knowledge, experience and his love of Ikebana with me.

I returned from Moscow, the evening of the 9th, and I couldn’t wait to resume lessons the very next morning.  On the 10th, his daughter, Leslie, told me that he is very frail and gave me the address where I could visit him.  With jet lag and a cough, I decided not to visit over the weekend.  Come Monday, I just couldn’t believe the sad news delivered by Michiko.

I am glad that I had the chance to ignite his enthusiasm for the art of Ikebana, at the end of his wonderful life.  And, I’m forever grateful to have been taught by Dr. Skog, the great person that he was. — Jennifer Wang

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I have many treasured memories of my sensei, Dr Skog. I consider it a great honor to have been a student of his. I am very grateful for the time spent in his presence to witness and learn from his masterful expertise in applying the protocols and traditions of the Ikenobo school. Our lesson sessions were filled with many and varied edifying emotions including the comraderie of sharing materials, our creativity and delight in seeing each other’s finished arrangements.  Dr Skog  brought uplifting spiritual aspects together with teaching us to be focused and centered. Our creativity sparked arrangements ranging from the simple to the elegant. He was a great sensei who will always be remembered. — Elly Heitmeyer

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The best memory I have of Jim is the road trip we took from Portland to the Ikenobo workshop in Tacoma.  Jim loved to drive and he drove very fast!  We talked for hours on that trip. I will greatly miss his friendship, wonderful stories and the time we had together.  He was a really funny guy, great friend and a courteous gentlemen.  — Mariam Triglia 

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Jim enjoyed Japanese food.  Each year, he looked forward to going to Kyoto to continue his studies at Headquarters. His wife’s death a few years ago was a terrible blow to him.  According to his daughter, Leslie, he never recovered from this great loss.  After joining II, he was enthusiastic about becoming a Chapter Board Member, but was disappointed to learn that as Head of a school, his participation on the Board was restricted.  Nonetheless, he became a steadfast supporter of our Chapter, doing whatever he could to help.

We wanted him to live forever, but as it was, he had a great life and we should all applaud the way he had lived. We were indeed fortunate that he had come into our lives. He left a distinct memory in our hearts. — Michiko Kornhauser

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I have this indelible impression from participating in  group  exhibitions at the Japanese Garden.  Everyone would come bustling in, lugging unwieldly materials and containers, and work intensively on their arrangements.  Dr Skog and his  students would arrive in a stately procession, with neat bundles of material and manageable vases.   They would proceed to work quietly together, guided by Dr Skog’s reserved and dignified manner.   Our Ikebana community graced by his presence, now cherish our memories of him.  — Julie Nakao

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