Reporter staff

Shawn Skager, an award-winning reporter, photographer and former sports editor of the Auburn Reporter, died unexpectedly Aug. 18 at home in Federal Way. He was 47.

Skager worked at the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, was editor of the fledgling Sumner Reporter before coming to the Auburn Reporter in 2008. He won numerous awards throughout his career from the Society of Professional Journalists and was a finalist for Sports Reporter of the Year by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

Skager covered sports, features and the City of Pacific for the Auburn Reporter.

“What I appreciated about Shawn was he took a true interest in the welfare of the city,” said Pacific Mayor Leanne Guier. “He attended every meeting, met with citizens of our community and reported the facts. It was refreshing to read his articles that were fully vetted and researched. Shawn had spent so much time at our city, I felt like he was one of our residents. He truly cared for our city and brought his family along to our community events. He will surely be missed.”

Growing up, Skager moved around every three years or so because his father was in the U.S. Navy. The family lived in Australia, Greece, California and Utah.

He lived most of his adult life in Tacoma but also loved spending time with family in North Dakota. After working odd jobs, including stints in retail and at Tower Records, he found his calling in journalism. He was just a couple credits shy of an associate’s degree from Tacoma Community College when he took his first journalism job as sports editor of The Puyallup Herald in 2000.

Skager worked with the Northwest Music Scene and found his way onto a radio show at NWCZradio.com, where he went on to co-create the “Hooligan Honky Radio Hour” and “We Ugly Stay Humble,” where he co-hosted under the name of “Loadz.” His love of music led him to write and take concert photography for several local publications and musicians.

Skager is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Conner and Hannah Skager of Tacoma; daughter Katy Bleazard of Utah; and his mother, Shirley Skager of Federal Way. He was preceded in death by his father, John, and sister, Farah.

In lieu of donations or flowers, the family has asked that you hug your loved ones and listen to a Rush or Iron Maiden song of your choice.

A private service is Sunday in Federal Way.