Old Skoggins, Carriage for the Young and Old, Rich and Poor, dies at 39

November 29th, 2005

Old Skoggins, whose selfless dedication to travel and transport touched thousands of lives, died today in on an on ramp outside of Portland, OR. The death was not a surprise as Skoggins had been very ill for about 3 months.

Skoggins was born in Flint, MI and spent his first 15 years in the Trailways highway service ferrying ex-cons, army recruits, and college students across the country. In 1981, after a couple of lucrative trips across the border, Skoggins took an early retirement and moved to Florida, where he spent time as a Disneyworld parking lot shuttle, and later served a short stint as a taco stand.

When he was 20 years old, Skoggins found God and moved to Los Gatos, CA where he joined the Calvary Baptist church and volunteered driving kids to summer camp.

In 2004, at the age of 39, Skoggins surprised everyone by joining the rock band Ten Mile Tide, known for penning the song "Sweet Life" from which Skoggins was named. For a year and a half Skoggins and the Tide toured the country, playing shows in 39 states. But the rock star lifestyle took a toll on Skoggins and his health began an irreversible decline. He started having serious respiratory problems, and well as trouble getting started on cold mornings. His stamina declined also until he had trouble climbing even the smallest hills.

He has seen all 48 contiguous states, 3 countries and its rumored that he may have driven the Alaskan Highway. He will be remembered as strong, quiet, deliberate and caring. His body has been immortalized on the cover of Ten Mile Tide's 3rd album, and his spirit lives on in the music.

Skoggins is survived by his 6 man crew and an estimated 95 of his 1026 siblings. He has been cryogenically frozen in a holding center in Eugene, OR to await a time when technology has cured the ailments that put him down. Ten Mile Tide will be holding memorials across the country this spring on their CD Release Tour.