Skip was the single greatest professional mentor I have ever had, second only to my own father as my personal role model. It was two of Skip’s lessons that have been the greatest comfort to me since Saturday. The first is that the nature of a situation is dependent on our own perception. That when we step outside of “I”, the way we view and judge an event is effected as well as our reactions, both positive and negative.
The second is taken from our last conversation, during which I asked Skip how do you prevent the sands of time dulling the blade?, or how do you stay at the top of your game as you get older? His advice to me came in two parts, first have a good woman to keep you in line and on your toes, and second, to have work that is meaningful and productive.
From simply a professional perspective Skip leaves behind for me six to eight ongoing coverage pieces, two interviews, one commentary, a blog series, and a music video. Not only this but stories for the print side of The Phoenix, his work with Stepping Stone and Franklin Commons, as well as countless other non-profit endeavors. If you were to judge a man not just by what he has done but what he is doing when God decides to end this stage of his journey, I would say Skip Lawrence was a miraculous individual. The blade never dulled. He left at the top of his game.
I miss Skip more then I can explain in words. But I am privileged to have called him a co-worker, and I am forever honored he called me a friend. Thank you for everything, Skip.

Posted by
J. Matthew Byrd