Saratoga Springs, NY - Alvin Skipsna, 87, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
A native of Riga, Latvia, he lived most of his life in Saratoga Springs, working for 22 years as librarian for Skidmore College and then as a contract interpreter for the U.S. Department of State. In the latter capacity, he traveled widely in the United States and abroad, also serving as an interpreter for President Clinton.
Survivors include his daughter, Lelde Sandra (Karlis) Skipsna Muehlenbachs; grandchildren, Atis (Clare Gilbert), Lucija (Stefan Staubli) and Emils; and great-granddaughter, Flora Muehlenbachs.
The poetry-loving, flower-tending, and knowledge-questing Alvin will always be loved for his brilliance, humor and wisdom.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Aina (Abols), near his ancestral home in Latvia.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.