Obituary of Ashkhain Skipwith

Lady Ashkhain Skipwith passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at the age of 64 years with her sisters Vrejouhy Atikian and Shakeh Dayal by her side. Ashkhain was born in Jaffa, Palestine to her Armenian parents Bedros and Mary Atikian. She had a joyful childhood amongst her many Armenian and Arab friends. As a young woman, Ashkhain moved to London, England and later spent several memorable years in Saudi Arabia. In 1996, Ashkhain moved to Calgary. As an oncology nurse at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Ashkhain touched the lives of her patients with her compassionate and loving care. She was a proud member of the Chelsea Arts Club in London and fulfilled her own creative talents as a celebrated author. Her love of cooking led to the publication of three Middle Eastern cookbooks and her renowned wit resulted in her co-authoring three books of Arabic proverbs. Ashkhain was also a passionate knitter and created many masterpieces for those close to her heart. Ashkhain will be remembered for her grace, beauty, deep integrity, and most of all, her humour. She will be dearly missed by her mother, sisters, brother-in-law, two step children, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephew, goddaughters, as well as her beloved friends and co-workers in Canada, England, and around the world. We pray that God gives eternal peace to her departed soul, which now rests in the loving company of her father and two brothers. Ashkhain’s family would like to thank the caring staff of the Carewest Sarcee Hospice and all of our close friends for their support and kindness. “Dearest Ashkhain, we will live by your words…Shall we dance?” Funeral Services will be held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 – 14th Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966 or to Calgary Health Trust – Carewest: Sarcee Hospice, 10101 Southport Road SW, Calgary, AB T2W 3N2 Telephone: (403) 943 – 0615, www.calgaryhealthtrust.org. In living memory of Ashkhain Skipwith, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.