Orthopedic surgeon Douglas Stephen Skura passed away Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the age of 61.
Skura, a loving family man, is survived by his wife, Kristian Skura, his sons, Brian (Alexandra), Matthew (Emma), and Christopher, his grandchildren, Emerson and Henry, his brother (Val), as well as sister-in-laws Karen King and Kelli Vanlynn and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Helen Skura, his brother Ronald, and his father and mother-in-law Bill and Saundra Slocum.
Skura was born in Coleman, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in the blue-collar community Crowsnest Pass hidden in the Canadian Rocky Mountains His father often referred to the area as “God’s Country” as it seemed a fitting depiction of dramatic vistas and mountains surrounding them. Dr. Skura’s father, Bill worked in the coal mines.
According to his obituary, “The Crowsnest River winds through the community, frigid and silent, yet powerful and breathtaking in its raw and untampered beauty. And every day cool mountain air sweeps down the mountains and brings an almost palatable scent of fresh pine trees each morning, something Doug would often say, he wished he could bottle.”
Growing up Skura knew he wanted to be a physician. He attended the University of Alberta and then got his medical degree at the University of Alberta Medical School. He received his Doctor of Medicine with Distinction in 1984.
He then did a transition internship at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, where he met his wife who was completing her Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Kent State University at the time. Next, he went back to the University of Alberta in 1985 to do a residency in orthopedic surgery.
In 1986, he married Kristian and then when he finished his residency in 1989, they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at Shadyside Hospital.
He was an active member of the staff at Shadyside Hospital from 1990 and 2000. He also ran his own private practice at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, Pennsylvania from 1993 to 2008.
In 2008, he and his family moved from Pittsburgh to Columbus, Ohio, where he practiced at Marysville Memorial Hospital of Union County between 2008 and 2022.
“His work as an orthopedic surgeon was his true life’s calling and he found great purpose in taking care of others. His unwavering dedication to his patient’s made for many late nights and early mornings, but there was nothing he would have taken back to ensure the best and optimal outcomes for each and every one of his patients,” his obituary says.
Skura, however, always said his greatest pride and joy in life was his three boys. His son Brian followed in his footsteps and became an orthopedic surgeon. Matthew is a professional athlete in the National Football League. Christopher played football at Ohio Dominican University and graduated with a business degree.
Skura’s death has left a big hole in his family and the community, but he leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to not only his family, but also everyone whose lives he touched.
Please consider donating to the Dr. Douglas Skura Memorial Fund in support of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
