Harold Dallas Skipper
Harold Dallas Skipper, or “Skip,” of Atlanta, GA, passed away on February 8th at the age of 74. After a long illness, he died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Born in Jackson, AL, on March 15, 1947, Skip married his childhood sweetheart, Toni Pitts, in 1966. Skip received his BBA from Georgia State University, and Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the
University of Pennsylvania.
A prominent scholar in risk management and insurance, Skip worked at the University of New Orleans, the United Nations, and at Georgia State University. During his fruitful career, he lived and worked in Geneva, Singapore, and Paris, among other cities. He had an abiding passion for teaching and research. His areas of focus included privacy, policy issues, and international insurance. Skip was instrumental in the founding of international insurance organizations, always emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and understanding. Skip will be remembered for his generous and loving nature, witty quips, and repertoire of Monty Python quotes. He loved traveling and skiing and had a sommelier-level knowledge of wines.
Skip is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Toni, daughter Tara, granddaughter Dinah, and three siblings Bettie Strother, Louise White, Len Skipper, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melba Dean Leonard Skipper and Harold Dallas “Bittie” Skipper.
A celebration of his life will be held at The Historic Pace House (3057 Paces Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339) on Saturday February 19, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.
Please consider donating to the Harold D. Skipper International Insurance Endowment at GSU in lieu of flowers.
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What a lovely, precious friend! I so regret not meeting him earlier in life.
Sorry for the family lost , may his memories live on in your hearts..
Lovely tribute .. he now dwell in your heart and will be with you forever . Hugs my friend
Skip was my high school classmate and loved by all. I so remember his wit and his positive outlook. My love and sympathy to Toni, his sweet wife, daughter Tara, granddaughter Dinah, and his siblings, Bettie, Louise and Len. I pray for peace and comfort now and in the days ahead only God can give.
Unforgettable memories! We will always keep him in our hearts.
Manfred & Dagmar
Skip was not only a professional academician, he had a very broad field of interest and knowledge, also in societal terms. Starting as a professional relationship, we were very fortunate to gradually develop a true friendship. We are very grateful to him and his lovely wife, Toni, for the friendship and we will cherish the fantastic memories of our private ‘Society’ meetings.
I am very honoured that Skip and his lovely wife Toni, remind me of such good times during several trips and holidays. Never to forget the downtown Atlanta restaurant when I was the speaker of the equestrian competitions during the Olympic Games in 1996! Being guest in his house in the ski resort of Breckenridge. Our boat trip on the canals in the South of France, his visits to Belgium and the First World War cemeteries. His sense of humour, his spiritualty, and his knowledge of the better wines will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences from the family Mark & Marie-Jeanne Wentein in Bruges (BEL).
Ignace and myself want to express our deepest condolences to Toni and the family of our beloved Skip.
We hope the good memories will support you through these difficult times.
The wonderful moments we spent together – in particular in Breckenridge but also in Europe- will be forever in our hearts and we are grateful to have known such an exceptional man.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.”
Your Belgian friends wish you peace and comfort as you grieve.
Ignace & Micheline
I came to know Skip and Toni when they co-owned a house with Ron and Betsy down at the coast. We were next-door neighbors and thrilled to have active and fun folks to be with when we overlapped in Gulf Shores. Two things I remember well and with delight: Skip running, walking, kayaking and hanging out in his signature bike shorts! ….and…. the story of the great blind Vodka competition! (we were not present – wish we had been – but switched to Tito’s ever since). Skip and Toni were so beautifully matched – a true love story. And what Grandparent could be more aptly named “Honey” than Skip? Walt and I were so fortunate to know him. With love and condolences, Bev Thorn