Wickham Shephard “Skip” Culbert a Certified Public Accountant and long-term resident of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on March 6, 2022, in the comfort of his own home at the age of 82.
Skip is survived by his wife Avis Read; sons and their wives Wickham and Lisa, Read and Kari, Trevor and Candice; grandchildren Kassidy, Rylie, Caden, Sidney, Clinton and Paige; nephew Corey Culbert and niece Tiffany Padilla. Skip is preceded in death by his parents and brother Amos Hartzel “Tad” Culbert.
Skip was born October 30, 1939, to Amos John Culbert and Dorothy Quinan in St. Louis, Missouri. Skip obtained a degree in Business and minor in Geology from the University of Arizona and was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Skip also obtained an Accounting degree from Arizona State University.
Skip created a life with the girl of his dreams standing side by side for 63 years raising their children and traveling the world. Skip was an avid fly fisherman, outdoorsman, mentor for many and an exceptional patriarch. Skip enjoyed living in the White Mountains, spending time with family and off-roading with friends throughout Southwest. He was a member of the Desert Fly Casters, Arizona Fly Casters and White Mountain Fly Casters. Skip joined the Dons of Arizona in 1972, where he served in several capacities including president, developed lasting relationships while teaching the lore of Arizona history to many. Inspired by bring joy to others, Skip’s most recent achievements were volunteering for the Wound Warrior Program and Casting for Recovery.
Above all, Skip provided unconditional love. He built with friends a cabin for several families to enjoy and established a well-respected accounting firm in a profession he loved. He was a loyal Arizona Wildcat, tied flies that caught fish, always owned a truck, loved animals, crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader and adventurer at heart. He was always a gentleman and enjoyed telling a good story, fact or fiction and truly enjoyed the “I gotcha” moment. Skip kept much to himself, gave opinions when asked, sought solutions not problems, stayed true to his being, while remaining a servant leader. He will be forever missed.
Now as we face our future without him, we know a life well lived cannot be measured by health, wealth, or accomplishments, but rather by the effect you have on the lives of others. He will be remembered for his kindness, sincerity, patience, generosity, and humorous personality. We Love You Dad!
In lieu of flowers please consider donating on behalf of Skip Culbert to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or a no kill animal shelter of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Paradise Valley Country Club. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Dr Linda Lawrence
Skip Culbert was like a member of my family, especially to my 2 daughters. His cleverness and wit were always on display. In addition, his sons were like the brothers my girls didn’t have. We will all miss him greatly and cherish our memories of him. RIP,dear Skip. You have our love.
Janice Dunnahoo
Dear Avis and Family,
On behalf of the Arizona Guides Association, I would like to extend our sympathy on the passing of your husband, Skip. His obituary was very heart warming and portrayed a man who loved his family, friends and Arizona!
You will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Janice Dunnahoo
Arizona Guides Association, Vice President
Jana powell
Avis, you are in my thoughts. I appreciate your influence in my career choice ( 24 years and counting). I agree with Janice D that Skip’s obituary painted a much beloved man. I know you feel blessed to have shared many wonderful years with him. Jana Powell
Beverly Shaver
Dear Avis and family,
Contrary to everyone else, I was someone who enjoyed doing my taxes every year because it meant a chance to talk with Skip. What a charmer he was! Not only was he a great accountant, but he was a great friend to us. We will miss him. Thinking of you all.
Beverly and Jim
Annell K Wilson
Dear Avis and Family,
My prayers are with you at this time. You shared life for many years with an extraordinary guy.
Stacie Smith (Brininger)
Avis, I was deeply saddened to hear of Skip’s passing! I remember all the times that our families would get together up at the cabin! We had so much fun! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Stephanie Brown
Dear Avis, Wick, Read, Trevor and families,
Sending you all loving thoughts and healing prayers in this time of loss. We are so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of such an honored and loving family member. We have known your family for as long as I can remember. We have heart-warming memories of the time we all have spent together over the years. Time and distance cannot diminish the warmth and love we feel for all of you. May Skip rest in peace…and may your family find peace in his passing.
All out love,
Stephanie (Lory) Brown and family
Pamela Reardon
What wonderful memories I have of Skip throughout my childhood! He was a steadfast patriarch and a member of my family in every way except blood. He was so funny and all those memories are so sweet. Avis was my second mom and the boys were my “delightfully pesky” little brothers. It was a privilege to have Skip in my life. Thank you Culberts, all. With great love, Pam Reardon (Lee)
Paula and Jim Westhoff
Skip has been my accountant since I moved to Phoenix in the early 1980’s and then continued to be our accountant after Jim and I married in 1997. He also took care of my husband’s business tax returns too. Although he was “just” my accountant for all those years up until his death we shared many stories, ideas and complaints over time. How could he not be more than “just” my accountant after all that time. That is a lot of years!! He was always so patient when I didn’t understand some of the tax provisions and patiently and calmy re-explained them to me as many times as needed (which was sometimes a few). He reminded me of my dad like that. We will miss him. Our condolences to the family. Sincerely, Paula and Jim Westhoff
Howard Schlossberg (Jocelyn Stroupe)
Trevor, Candice and family, our most sincere condolences. Sorry for your loss. Skip had quite a life. See you at the Celebration of Life. Proud to attend. Howard & Jocelyn