Raymond F. Skryja

Raymond Francis Skryja, D.D.S. passed away on May 5, 2023, at the age of 77.

Dr. Skryja was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and moved with his parents to California, in 1955. He graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1963, and then graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. In June 1972, he graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry and became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 2000. Dr. Skryja began his dental practice in Guerneville, California, in 1972. He retired after 48 years of practicing dentistry in late 2020. Dr. Skryja was known as a compassionate and thoughtful dentist who provided care with both knowledge and respect. He was a long-time member of the Redwood Empire Dental Society and a volunteer at the Hanna Center.

Dr. Skryja was an endlessly curious person with more interests than were possible to pursue. He loved science and studied botany, astronomy, geology, philosophy, weather, cars, and woodworking. Dr. Skryja got his pilot’s license when he turned 50 and flew airplanes over the skies of West Sonoma County for many years. He was also a lifelong mountaineer who went on more hiking trips than one could count, starting when he was a Boy Scout in the 1950s. Dr. Skryja backpacked for over 50 years with friends and family in his beloved Sierra Nevada.

Dr. Skryja is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 54 years, Barbara Skryja, son R. Matthew Skryja, daughter, Amy Skryja and grandchildren, Grace, Milo, Isabelle, and Sebastian. He is also survived by his sister Judy Susic and nieces and nephew, Kimberly, Josh, Jennifer, and Christine.

A private family ceremony will be held soon. A separate Celebration of Life will be held for friends and community members in July. Please contact drskryjamemorialinfo@gmail.com for more information regarding the Celebration of Life. Donations can be made in Dr. Skryja’s honor to the Friends of the Eastern California Museum (https://fecm.org), the River Friends of the Guerneville Library (https://riverfriendsofthelibrary.org/), or the Mono Lake Committee (www.monolake.org).

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