Thomas Craig Skanchy

Colonel (Ret.) Thomas Craig (T.C.) Skanchy passed away on November 6, 2026, at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, surrounded by his daughters, Jill and Paige, and his wife, Alice Simonsen.

Craig, as he was known early in his life, was born in Logan, Utah, on August 8, 1939. One of six children of Lula (Skanchy) Feltch and Tony Skanchy, Craig worked in the family business, Skanchy's Market, and attended Utah State University. While at Utah State, Craig was active in the Sigma Chi fraternity and the ROTC Corps of Cadets. He married his college sweetheart, Karen Petersen, in 1960.

Adventures awaited T.C. and Karen as they traveled extensively throughout his distinguished Air Force career as a fighter pilot. T.C. excelled as an F-4 Phantom pilot, serving two combat tours in Vietnam. Between those tours, he survived a serious aircraft accident in 1968. During his recovery, T.C. demonstrated remarkable courage, determination, and perseverance, ultimately regaining his mobility and returning to the cockpit.

T.C. was one of the first four pilots selected to fly the F-15 Eagle and was the first pilot to log 1,000 flight hours in the aircraft. His 28-year Air Force career included leadership roles with the 405th Fighter Wing and
Red Flag, as well as studies at the Army War College and Georgetown University. He retired as a Colonel, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of service, leadership, and excellence.

T.C. and Karen retired to Weaverville, North Carolina, in 2002, where they enjoyed exploring the Asheville area and spending time with their growing family of grandchildren. Karen preceded him in death in 2014.

T.C. later reconnected with childhood friend Alice Lundahl, and the two married in 2016, making their home in Salt Lake City. Through their marriage, T.C. also became part of Alice's loving family.

Despite his many accomplishments, T.C. would most like to be remembered as "Papa" to his five beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Justin,Duncan, Nicho, and Callan. He also had a special place in his heart for the family's Labrador retrievers.

T.C. was a lifelong student of history, a storyteller and writer, a classical music enthusiast, a tinkerer, an occasional cook of unconventional chili, and a song singer with remarkable recall for old tunes. The same fighting spirit and determination that carried him through his military career and recovery from his plane crash remained with him as he faced significant health challenges in his final year. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, kindness to all, and unwavering resilience.

T.C. is survived by his wife, Alice Simonsen; his daughters, Jill Campbell (John) and Paige Cucchi (Sean); his five beloved grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, a fitting tribute to a life of courage, service, and devotion to family.