Obituary – Henry Melvin “Skeeter” Mayer

Obituary – Henry Melvin “Skeeter” Mayer

Aug. 4, 1944 – Jan. 9, 2021

Surrounded by his loving family, Henry Melvin “Skeeter” Mayer passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9 after a long, brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marilyn; daughters Kimberly Throw and Kristi Mayer; son-in-law, Joe Throw; grandchildren, Joe Throw, Alyssa Throw, Darryl Galloway; great-grandson, Trenton Throw; and his adored pets Phyliss Diller, Buddy and Smudge. 

Henry was born on Aug. 4, 1944 in Walla Walla, Washington. In 1962, he graduated from MacLaughlin High School in Milton Freewater, Oregon. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Henry was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad and then as a conductor for the White Pass Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway, Alaska. He also owned several businesses in Skagway and was active in Alaskan politics. 

Henry married Marilyn in 1979 and they eventually settled in Spokane. In 1990, he earned an accounting degree from Eastern Washington University and founded Advanced Accounting Concepts, where he practiced accounting for 30 years. In 1994, he and Marilyn opened Metropolitan Interiors, a store featuring European reproductions. 

Henry was also a member of St. John’s Cathedral and the Spokane Lions Club. Henry relished spending time at his favorite getaway of 30 years: the Hidden Bay float house located on Lake Coeur d’Alene. There, he took great pleasure in biking, boating, jet skiing and simply watching wildlife. 

Henry’s unmatched passion for life flowed into all who knew him. His exuberant, extroverted personality and distinct ability to illuminate a room, create laughter and instill joy drew people to him. But, his greatest gift was his generosity of spirit. Henry’s kindness and compassion were impossible not to witness as he was always willing to help anyone in need, and he did so with upbeat cheerfulness while entertaining all involved with colorful anecdotes and his unbridled, infectious sense of humor. 

Many are devastated by his passing but realize their lives are forever enriched for having known him. Henry was truly a wonderful, thoughtful, open-hearted and gentle soul whose loss will be deeply felt always, especially by those who considered him more family than friend. A future celebration of life ceremony will be held on his birthday, Aug. 4, with details communicated at a later date. In place of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of the United States or Spokanimal.