Skip always came to a photo shoot with me (during the 5 years I worked at Mother Trib) armed with some sort of quip that would make me laugh or at least smile. He showed wit in photos and could always be counted on to captue the true essence of my stories. Thank you for sharing photos of Skip playing with his grandkids... a great way to remember him on the otherside of the camera.
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I’m deeply saddened by Skip’s passing. He was an incredible human being — more than a photo editor, he was a mentor, a guide, and a steady presence for so many of us in the photo department. Skip exemplified what it meant to put family first. He loved sharing stories about life as a father and husband, and his gentle, fatherly advice — especially when it came to raising a daughter — is something I will always hold onto.
We all lived a little vicariously through his stories of camping trips and adventures around the country with Kit. Those moments reflected who he truly was: caring, grounded, and full of life.
Although I’m unable to be there in person because I’m on assignment, my heart is with his family and everyone who loved him. Skip shaped the way I see photojournalism, and I credit so much of where I am today to his guidance and belief in me.
Thank you, Skip — for your mentorship, your kindness, and your example. You will be deeply missed.
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Kit, our deepest condolences to you and the family. We loved Skip and he was my church meeting buddy in the back of Theisz Hall years ago. You both were an integral part of my children's faith formation. May God's loving arms wrap around you. We love you all.
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Skip loved being a photojournalist, a mentor and active representative of the Tampa Bay community. But mostly, he loved Kit and Froggy. His kind spirit will be missed.
I’m so terribly sorry, sending love, Patty
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Kit, Tim and I were so saddened to hear of Skips passing. He was a cherished neighbor and he will surely be missed. Prayers for your comfort
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Kit, I am so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. The Dorries family had many wonderful memories of Skip and we were all saddened to hear this news. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as you navigate the empty spot in your lives. Much love and prayers, Susan
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Kit, my deepest condolences on the loss of your amazing husband, Skip. He was such a fantastic and talented man as well as a loving husband and father. I feel blessed to have known him. Bless you and your family as you share wonderful memories.
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My sincere condolences to Kit and those who have many memories of Skip from seeing him everyday. Except for Trib photo staff meetings, I only had 4 or 5 interactions with him. Back then, during the color negative film days, we had a Canon camera cammeradie . Nevertheless, we went to lunch and looked for drive-by pics along Nebraska Ave. from Columbus to MLK. After taking his shot. Skip said don't leave your car in the road with the flashers on. (Something I did in Sprng Hill.) He made a U-turn, went back to his subject. '"Make sure you wear your ID and extend a business card as you approach." They hd a laugh and Skip returned and we headed back Next, Skip eventually became photo editor. One day in March of '96 my desk phone rings at the Brooksville bureau. It's Skip. 'Fred I'm tranferring you to the lab at Parker St. (You had to be there) when I said,) "Do you know who you're talking to??? I was the Photographer of the Year!!" There was a pause on his end until he said, "Yeah.. That was 10 yers ago,. Get your ass down here...!) LOL And finally when it was announced he was jumping ship to the other guys, I called him and gave him an especially hard time and reminded him how many times I crossed the yellow tape to scoop those bxxxxxxs. But it was the final hey dey days of the newspaper and I guess they made him a great offer.
If there is life after death. The late-photo lab tech Art Thomas will be waiting to drop a metal pitcher behind Skip, making you jump 6-feet in the air. (For those that remember, you have to admit , Skip was sometimes a practical joker in the lab...} R.I.P. Dude.
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Kit, words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Skip's passing. Skip was a kind and generous soul. His kindness and spirit will always be remembered by us. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mike & Rosi Dempsey
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Skip and I worked together. And until he left the Tribune, he was a fantastic roll model and boss. I admired him greatly and always enjoyed being in his company. I think of him often. And miss his infectious laughter and love for life. RIP Skip.
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My family and I came to know Skip and Kit at Apostles. What a treasure to meet such loving people and call them friends. Skip would always give us a fist bump and a hug, spreading joy and love everywhere he went.
My heart is with all that feel the loss of such a wonderful man. May you be looking down from heaven on us Skip, and continue to help us feel those hugs.
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We first met Skip in 2013 after following/stalking him to Village Inn where he and Kit were having breakfast. We bonded instantly and were Blessed to call Skip a friend ever since. We’ve had many laughs over the years and will cherish those memories. He will be dearly missed.
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My deepest condolences to Kit and the rest of Skip's family. Skip was a kind and loving person with a big heart. Skip had a great sense of humor. Skip..may you rest in heaven and until we see you again...God Speed
Linda/Dan Sandberg
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My deepest condolences to the family.
I met Franklyn when he took photos for an article in the Tampa Tribune, I wonder if the website could correct the spelling on his first name.
He was very kind. And such a professional.
I'll be unable to attend the memorial, but I hope the church will stream it on YouTube; he did also work for the St Petersburg paper (now the Tampa Bay Times) and it might be hard for folks to get to the service.
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