The Palm Beach County Planning Congress

Hank Skokowski Tribute
This is a special tribute to one of our original PBCPC founders, Hank Skokowski. He died this week in a motorcycle accident while on vacation in Australia. If you would like to add to this tribute click on the link below and leave a message in Hank's memory. ;

PBCPC 2004 Tribute

Hank will be missed. Having known Hank for over 20 years, his professionalism, commitment to excellence and free spirit are elements that the world is too short of. Hank, you were am inspiration and as much of a tradegy as his passing was, it is comforting to know he passed as he lived.
Rick Bernhardt <rick.bernbhardt@nashville.gov>
- Tuesday, March 09, 2004 at 10:07:47 (EST)

Hank was one of the most intelligent and talented planning and design professionals that I ever had the pleasure to work with. As a boss he was tough but fair and always willing to help mentor his young staff. We had fun working with and for Hank at UDS and we all learned a lot. He played as hard as he worked and I'm glad for that. Hank gave 100% in every thing he did and he had a real impact on many many people. He made a huge impact on my life and I know I'm a better professional and ,I hope, a better person because of the time I worked with him at UDS. I'll miss him and I'm proud to have been his partner.
Michael Houston <flhouston5@aol.com>
- Thursday, March 04, 2004 at 23:41:06 (EST)

To Hank, we bid a fond and heartfelt farewell. To Lisa, Bryan and staff at UDS, we offer our deepest sympathy. By his passing we are reminded how precious and fragile life can be. By his live we are reminded to live, love and work hard. We feel grateful to have known him and worked for him. A time we were young and easily molded by the people in our lives, a time when life long friends are made, a time we would consider the best. UDS was a melting pot of talent and personalities whose inspirations culminated with Hank. His zest for life inspired us all and kept us striding to improve our own. We shall always remember him with great fondness.
Julio and Debbie Dumas <juliodumas@gulfcoastrealestate.org>
- Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 00:29:03 (EST)

We have worked on few but significant projects. I first was introduced to Hank in the early 1990's. We did not work again until the Delray Beach Large Home Task Team in the mid 1990's. Our last project together was the 2003 FAPA conference brochure. Throughout all these years, his creativity and devotion to the planning/design profession remains genuine. He will be missed by all.
Thuy Shutt <tshutt@delraycra.org>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 18:24:13 (EST)

I've known Hank for about 18 years. During that time we've agreed and disagreed on various issues such as PUDs, neo-trad, and the saftey of motorcycles. (It's not the motorcycle, Hank, it's the other drivers!)We tackled some tough issue and laughed at a few absurdities. Through it all, I always knew that Hank would be there with solid advice and a sane perspective. He was one of those people that I could count on for a bit of sanity. He was truly one of a kind. I am going to miss him. RMM
Roxanne Manning <rmanning@wpb.org>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 11:22:43 (EST)

My last meeting with Hank was at the FAPA Conference at the Breakers. We met in passing but said that now that we were competiters, as if I would be competition, that we should discuss our common plans over lunch. Other things kept me from setting that lunch date but I knew it would happen someday. Now there will not be that date. In his untimely death there is a heavy lesson for me. Thank you, Hank.
Terry Virta <tlv31987@hotmail.com>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 11:02:46 (EST)

Hank was a giant of a professional and a person. I first knew him when at the West Palm Beach Downtown charrette. He had strong opinions and he made sure he was heard. I learned from him his dedication to the profession, his diplomacy on getting his ideas across, and his gentle demeanour that will eventual win you over. I have never seen him frazzled over anything. He was the Tao of planning. I will miss him dearly, for there will forever be a void here in Palm Beach County. There are so many things we take for granted until we lose them. Hank, I know you will be scurrying around up there with your infamous briefcase and palm pilot trying to make things better. It is with great comfort to know that by the time I get there, you would have planned a place for me too. You're the best.
Charles Wu <cwu@pbgfl.com>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 10:43:42 (EST)

Hank was simply the best! He was just a great guy that everyone enjoyed being around. He will be so missed by everyone that he touched in heart and mind...and he touched so many.
Paul Castro <pcastro@townofpalmbeach.com>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 10:01:33 (EST)

The first time I was introduced to Hank it was an APA conference and the PBC P&Z Director at that time introduced me as a rising star at the County. Hank in his always gracious manner said how very honored he was to meet me---? I was fresh out into the planning world in Florida and already was a fan of Hank and his work. I knew of how Hank worked and admired him. I was the one that was suppose to be honored. But that just began to give me insight into what kind of person he was and as an employee and as a friend some 14 years later I still aspire to have those qualities Hank had that makes other people feel special, to say the right thing, make sense out of nonsense. I know I am a better person for having him in my life and for that I will always be grateful. Thank you Hank!
Dodi Glas <dglas@udsonline.com>
- Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 17:55:44 (EST)

I first met Hank in 1982 when I was hired by someone else in his firm. On my first day of work, Hank came up to me wearing a black tee shirt with the rolling stones "Mic's mouth" on it. He asked why, out of all the hundreds of people did Frank hire me? I turned to him and said, "Who are you?" He said "I'm the owner of Urban Design Studio." I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh, I'm more conservative than my boss?!?" (and I thought of myself as definitely NOT conservative!) I knew I was in for a wild ride and I got it. But I got a lot more. I realized only too late (I had been recruited for a job in California) that I didn't know what a great job I had until it was gone. We were a family that worked together, and a family that played together. I am so glad I had the opportunity to be at least a brief part of Hank's vision.
Karen Rauch Carter <karen@fengshuipalace.com>
- Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 21:23:36 (EST)

Recalling one of those great moments in time that we actually had our feet up, enjoying life to the fullest, and listening to tunes on your boat in the Bahamas....."Tina" said it all that day "Your simply the BEST!" Your wisdom, guidance,and visions are instilled in us all and we are honored to carry your torch. You have touched our lives in many positive ways and we are forever greatful. God Bless
Jon Carleen <Jcarleen@udsonline.com>
- Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 10:05:43 (EST)

Hank was a mentor to a whole generation of planners in Palm Beach County. In the past several days, I have spoken with many professional planners who remembered the wisdom Hank passed along. I am privileged to be a member of that group. As a community, we are fortunate that Hank shared so much with so many. For that reason alone, Hank will remain in our hearts. On a personal level, Hank and I shared a great love of music. I miss my friend terribly.
Marty Minor <mminor@udsonline.com>
- Monday, February 23, 2004 at 17:06:49 (EST)

Everyone knows about Hank's accomplishments and talents in the field of planning. To say he has left his mark in Palm Beach County/South Florida would be a monumental understatement. What I'll remember most about Hank though, is that he was a good and genuine person; the kind of guy you wanted to have a beer with. Man am I go to miss him!
John Lindgren <john@ipgplan.com>
- Friday, February 20, 2004 at 15:23:09 (EST)

When I came to Palm Beach County in 1980, Urban Design was not only the primary Planning/LA firm but it was also where you wanted to work in the Private Sector. Hank's presence and the quality of his work set the standard few have been able to match. The list of projects that bear his influence in Martin and Plam Beach County are in the hundreds. The lives of design professionals in both public and private sectors who learned from Hank is endless. He was a role model for many of us and we all need to keep his work/love of life perspective in our daily lives.
David Flinchum <Dflinchu@co.palm-beach.fl.us>
- Friday, February 20, 2004 at 12:14:47 (EST)

I first met Hank about 15 years ago when we held a meeting at Old School Square to figure out how to save our downtown. Hank urged us to pursue downtown housing and we did, to great success. Today, our downtown is thriving. Hank's advice that day on design and housing has stuck with me over the years. We recently had an opportunity to renew our acquaintance when he was retained to work on design guidelines for the residential neighborhoods near our beach. He was talented, knowledgeable, passionate and a pleasure to work with. We will miss him, but his work and his influence will live on. Mayor Jeff Perlman Delray Beach
Jeff Perlman <mayor@mydelraybeach.com>
- Friday, February 20, 2004 at 11:33:14 (EST)

Hank will truly be missed. his spirit and humor made it fun to work with him. years ago we worked together on a main street program for Immokalee in hot and humid september.... he kept the team focused and the sessions were rewarding and fun.thanks for the memories Hank.
rick gonzalez, aia <rick@regarch.com>
- Friday, February 20, 2004 at 09:02:08 (EST)

Hank's contributions to the quality of our region's urban design as a planner and landscape architect are legion. Urban Design Studio can take great credit for defining the physical character of Palm Beach County's built environment. I will remember Hank, however, primarily for his personal integrity and warmth as a human being. His infectious joy and good humor will be especially missed; they are qualities in great demand by a world that often takes itself far too seriously. He is missed!
Frank Palen <palen@caldwellpacetti.com>
- Friday, February 20, 2004 at 08:29:54 (EST)

By now I'm sure most, if not all of you have heard the sad news about Hank's untimely death in Australia this past weekend. I'm still having a hard time myself believing that it's true.
Susan <scoughan@sfwmd.gov>
Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 00:00:01 (EST)

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