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Discussion: Prayers requested for Murl Skalla

Posted Discussion
Feb. 13, 2008
Brock
Men's 80
84 posts
Prayers requested for Murl Skalla
Many of you know or know of Murl who has coached the Scrap Iron 60s Major Plus team the past several years and has been instrumental in Colorado and Senior Softball for many years. He hasn't been feeling well and was supposed to have a knee replacement today. However, he became very sick over the weekend and was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning. He had a tumor the size of a handball removed from the right temple area of his head last night and seems to be recovering at this time. The tumor is being anayzed to make sure it's not malignant. He will probably remain in ICU for several more days. They also think he had a slight stroke and does have a separated shoulder, possibly from a fall.

I know he would appreciate everyone keeping him in their prayers.
Feb. 13, 2008
POPS14
14 posts
On behalf of the 55 & 60 Animals Our prayers are for a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing you again real soon.
Feb. 13, 2008
softballer
Men's 65
594 posts
our prayers go out to them i'm sure i've ump a few of their games hope for a speeded recovery
THE LITLE'S
Feb. 13, 2008
kandy
Men's 60
13 posts
FROM HIGH DESERT 60'S OUT OF ALBUQUERQUE, NM WE HOPE FOR THE BEST AND A QUICK PATH TO THE SOFTBALL FIELDS.
Feb. 14, 2008
wyo22
Men's 70
26 posts
Latest information on Murl's condition. I received px call from Dennis Lutz this morning and he had visited Murl and he is recovering rrom surgery quite well. He may be moved from ICU to a regular hospital room today. His good friend whom many of you know Kenny Green is with him a lot as well as a lot of his family. Murl was planning on taking a year off from senior ball this year and have his knee surguries completed so this is certainly a set back from that respect. He still needs our prayers for a sucessful recovery and all of us here with the Scrap Iron Club really appreciate your prayers and thoughts. Be seeing a lot of you in the near future, be safe and GOD bless. Don Pierson Scrap Iron 65's
Feb. 15, 2008
The Pro
81 posts
Had my differences with Murl over the years, but he has always been a tough competitor and and a guy who has given a great deal of his life to softball. He has always fielded teams that consistantly performed at a high level.

I wish him a complete and speedy recovery and the best of health in the future. Senior Softball needs his continued involvement.

You are in our prayers.
Feb. 16, 2008
jim16
Men's 65
180 posts
I have great respect for Murl and am sorry to hear of his illness. I've played for Murl in the past and I can tell you he is first class in softball, represents his team well and is quite a competitor. Most of all I consider him a dear friend and always look forward to seeing him. My prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.
Feb. 16, 2008
surf88
Men's 65
1000 posts
Murl, When you are back on your feet and have recovered completely, please know that those of us from the Scrap Iron teams and the individual players that know you and respect the passion and dedication you have for this sport, know that we are are all in unison with our prayers for your speedy recovery.

Ed Andrews
Scrap Iron 55's
Feb. 16, 2008
JTW12
8 posts
Get well soon is our prayers JTW12 Kaysons 50
Feb. 18, 2008
Brock
Men's 80
84 posts
The news on Murl is not good. The tumor was malignant and the doctors have told Murl he probably has about a year to live, even with a chemo and radiation therapy regimen. He has been moved from the hospital to a therapy facility in Boulder, CO and may be able to go home in a couple of weeks. If anyone wishes to send cards to him, I'd suggest you send them to his home - Murl Skalla,4835 Egret Drive, Frederick, CO 80504. Prayers for him continue to be appreciated.. Greg Broeckelman for the Scrap Iron Club
Feb. 19, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
Murl is my step father. He met my mother when I was 4 years old. I consider him to be the only father I have had in my life. He has taught me what it takes to be a good person, a friend and a great parent to my own children. It takes a different kind of person to raise someone else's children as if they were your own. He has made MY life and my childrens' lives WONDERFUL. We may not have always got along in life, but when it boils down to it.. he has been there for MANY of us over the years. I would like people to know how strong he is and always has been. He spent majority of my life in the ball field and at many times I hated him for that.. Every weekand was spent playing ball... looking back it was one of his greatest loves. I thank those of you who made my Dad's life more enjoyable. Please keep him in your thoughts. Let us all keep a positive outlook on his journey. Dont let this obstacle sadden you, he would want us to celebrate his amazing life and the many people who have brought much joy to his life. He will ALWAYS be with me.. where ever our journey may take he and I.. If you have ever read "The Secret" those of you who know it, our thoughts have amazing power behind them.. so lets stay positive and keep our thoughts positive. To the greatest man I have ever known... with much love and admiration. ~ Deidra
Feb. 19, 2008
jim16
Men's 65
180 posts
Deidra, What a lovely testimony of Murl. I too have many very positive thoughts when I think of Murl. "The Secret" is the law of attraction. I have always felt close to Murl even though I havent played on his team for years because we have so many mutual thoughts. We are very similar people. I approaced Murl long ago wanting to be a part of his "team". I observed and wanted to join him. I understand the secret. Murl certainly helped shape your thoughts and values......and down here in Texas....I can say....Murl, You done good!
Feb. 19, 2008
WOW
197 posts
Deidre

Don't know you, don't know your stepfather, but.......wow, what a wonderful tribute. I too am a stepfather. I can only hope to have that kind of an impact. He must be a great guy. My prayers are with you and your family...............
Feb. 20, 2008
BruceinGa
Men's 70
3233 posts
Deidra, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Feb. 20, 2008
colo5
Men's 60
2 posts
Thanks Greg for informing the message board about Murl. We will be thinking of him. We have alot to thank him for what he has done for all of softball not only senior softball. We have played in his tournys and for Scrap Iron for a long time. Our thoughts are with him and family and all his close friends. Murl hang in there! Your friends Lana & Ric
Feb. 20, 2008
JLD930
Men's 55
67 posts
I visited Murl a few days ago. Even though he was experiencing some pain he just wanted to talk softball. Murl has been instrumental in making senior softball in Colorado and the Scrap Iron Softball Club what it is today and for that all of us who participate we owe him many thanks. But more importantly Murl has been a good friend to a lot of us.
While the road appears to be a difficult on Murl will keep fighting and don't be surprised if he bounces back for some more good years.
As with all the rest of the softball community my prayers are with you Murl.
Jack Davis -Master Collision (Scrap Iron) 55's
Feb. 22, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
Thank you all for the love and inspiration. I got a chance to hang out with my Dad tonight at the hosp. He was looking good. I was relieved to see him. I brought my Barbering tools and cleaned him up.. He sighed in peace as I shaved his face..It feels really good to be able to give back to him in my own little way. And I think I am writing this because this helps heal my heart and soul. It gives me peace in my heart to take care of him. He and I watched parts of the Avalanche game together. He asks a few questions.. Tried to pay me a $20 for cleaning him up.. but obviously decline.. I told him this is what you do for people you love. He of course the business-man he is tells me that "I should never work for free." He is humerous and very sentimentel sometimes... he is the greatest. I brought him a quilt that he had made of all his old softball t-shirts. It is a beautiful quilt that I'm sure brings back many memories for him.. I know it made him happy to have it with him at a time like this. My son painted him a red/gold heart for VDay.. he's got beautiful flowers and cards.. and he has recieved some of his fave. candies... This is a hard road to travel.. But I'm game and I know he's game...Thanks for ALL the love and support!!! ~ Deidra
Feb. 24, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
I have been talking to my sister Stacy, as well as my brother Sean about arranging a tournement to help raise funds for my Dad so when he gets well, we can bless him with a much needed vaca. and can enjoy his life and his family. If you have any idea's or would like to help in any way please contact us. Thank you again for all the love.
He is SOO very blessed to have such wonderful friends.
~Deidra
Feb. 25, 2008
Sean_Skalla
3 posts
I just wanted to let you know that my dad has read this thread and is very thankful for your thoughts and prayers. I am reaching out to Dr. Arenson of http://www.braintumorhope.com/ who is located in Denver. I'll keep you updated.
Feb. 25, 2008
Brock
Men's 80
84 posts
I stopped and saw Murl this past Saturday and brought him this thread so he could see the concerns and love expressed by everyone. According to his daughter, Stacy, he was having a good day Saturday and that was why I was able to visit with him. The recent days before Saturday were not so good and I know that some who stopped to visit were turned away. For those in Colorado, if you do stop to visit and are able to do so, they ask that you only stay 10 to 15 minutes. Continued thoughts and prayers for Murl are much appreciated. Greg Broeckelman for the Scrap Iron Club
Feb. 28, 2008
Scott_Moody
1 posts
We are all praying for Grandpa Softball every day.
March 2, 2008
Sean_Skalla
3 posts
My dad wanted me to let you all know how much he appreciates the cards, emails, thoughts and prayers you have sent his way. They really do help. Your support has helped him considerably. From our family to you and yours please keep the prayers and thoughts going, we need them. I'll update again next week as our dad moves along with his care.
March 2, 2008
the wood
Men's 65
1123 posts
I don't really know Murl all that well but a couple of my long term friends played for him... the late Donny Furnald and Elby Bushong. Both of them had nothing but very good things to say about him... that's more than good neough for me.
We have played against his Scrap Iron teams for many years and have found them to be a class group of guys... this has to a reflection on his leadership... it isn't coincidence, IMO.
I did have some extended dialogue with Murl when entering the 2001 USSSA event in Lakewood, CO. I found him to be a very fair person with 'the good of the game' foremost in his priorities.
I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
BW
April 9, 2008
colo5
Men's 60
2 posts
Thanks Mike we havent been able to get up there to see him. We are thinking of him. Ric & Lan
April 10, 2008
surf88
Men's 65
1000 posts
Many years back, I lost my dad in South Carolina and all I could do at that time was play ball for him, get him in the truck and out to the park where he could watch me play. We won the Myrtle Beach Championship that year (77') and we gave him the trophy. I'll never forget the smile.

Have known you more from afar these past few years Murl but I recognize your love for the game and for your fellow comrades. When I drive to Tucson in a couple weeks for our first tournament of the season, I'll be playing for you brother and will ask my teamates to do the same. Thanks for all the time, effort and care you put into softball and the Scrap Iron Club.

Be well, God Bless,
Ed Andrews
Scrap Iron 55's
June 21, 2008
Sean_Skalla
3 posts
Our father passed on peacedully this morning surrounded by family. I wanted to let you know how much we all appreciated every bit of support and well wishing we received from everyone. Once I know the particulars of the service I will post it online here. Again thank you for everything..

Murl's Family
June 21, 2008
FranDowell
2 posts
On behalf of the entire SSUSA family, I would like to express our sincere condolences over Murl's passing. Murl was a true Champion of Senior Softball and I will personally miss seeing him and his clipboard at future tournaments. Our prayers are with Murl's family and friends at this difficult time.
June 21, 2008
jim16
Men's 65
180 posts
I'll miss Murl, he always made my day better.
June 23, 2008
JLD930
Men's 55
67 posts
Murl was a true Icon of Colorado softball. He did so much for so many and will be sincerely missed. While Murl passed much too early he got his monies worth out of the years he was with us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jack Davis
Scrap Iron / Master Collision
June 23, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
Its so hard to put into words the tremendous loss I feel right now. Many people may not have understood the relationship I had with My Dad. When my Mom and Murl divorced when i was 15, I stayed in Colorado by myself. I didnt have many people who loved me and cared for me here. But I insisted on staying here. Whenever I was scared or felt alone, I could always call my Dad and he'd be there at the drop of a hat. He never turned his back to me. Just because you divorce the other person you dont divorce the children. I was 4 years old when Murl came into my life.
He took on 2 little girls that werent his. And he raised us as his own. He always introduced me as his Daughter. It takes a very specail man to raise someone els'e children. He NEVER EVER treated me like I wasnt his. He gave me more love than I could ever begin to describe. He made my life great. From trips to Disneyland, many trips camping in Yellowstone and around Colorado.. Many trips were as a result of COUNTLESS softball tourneys.. as much as I disliked the tourneys.. (not much fun for a 7 year oild girl)
We were able to see much of the country because of softball.. I will never forget the day he let me play hookie from school so he could take me to Estes Park with him to go fishing at a trout pond.. he did most the fishing and I remember he got yelled at because it was for children to fish..and he took over my fishing rod.. he was just great to me. My life is full of memories of him. It is because of him that I am the woman that I am today. He helped me to become the best Mother to my own son's.. And he really loved my son Jamison. They had the most special bond.
I will miss that relationship. I lost my best friend. My sons lost their Poppa.. He was not just a Dad to me, but he was MY best friend, my confidant, my support.. And now he is my Angel. I will miss him EVERY SINGLE DAY of my life.
My heart is broken.I am grateful for all of the people who knew him and loved him as much as I did. May God give us the strength to accept this into our lives.
R.I.P Poppa... We will keep you in our hearts forever..
Dee
June 23, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
Service Information:

Crown Hill Mortuary
7777 West 29th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone: 303-233-4611

Viewing is Thurs. 6/26 from 4-7 pm

Funeral is Friday 6/27 at noon


God Bless
July 9, 2008
Deidra
6 posts
I miss him every single day. I cant go a day without thinking of him He was my very best friend..
My heart hurts. Why did he have to go......
July 9, 2008
chollis
81 posts
Deidra,

I can feel your pain and loss in your writings. It is apparent you loved him and miss him very much. I am sure he loves and misses you even more. Nothing I write will squelch the empty feeling in your heart. But please, keep the faith, as God has a plan that will re-unite you both for all eternity just as he has been re-united with his son.

God bless you and your family,
curt hollis
July 9, 2008
softballer
Men's 65
594 posts
wow chollis said it all right there! that is really heart felt and warm!
it all will be OK in time
Bless you and your Family
an ump!
Monta Litle
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