At 87 years young, George “Rudy” Ski is still giving—with humility, humor, and a heart full of gratitude. When beginning his interview, he joked, “I’ll tell you everything but my confession!”
George’s journey with Angela Hospice began in 1998 with a dear friend, Lillian Blacha’s, dying wish. She asked George, “When I pass away do me an honor and volunteer here. This place was made for you.”
For decades now, he has honored his friend’s wish with his steady, smiling presence at Angela Hospice. His volunteer tasks began with sweeping stairs and painting benches; and later provided him the opportunity to visit and pray with countless hospice patients.
“I was humbled,” he said, “It didn’t matter what the job was. It mattered that I could help and keep my promise to my friend.”
George initially trained as a Franciscan friar, then led a successful career in the financial industry. Even while working as a banking executive, George always appreciated the opportunity to serve others. Having recovered from his own battle with alcoholism, he helped colleagues who were facing similar challenges. That same spirit of compassion and care found a home at Angela Hospice.
“I always felt welcomed,” George said, describing why he’s continued to support Angela Hospice for so long. “I loved it. I had fun, I learned from other people, my love of people and my love of life.”
That humble and faith-filled spirit was ingrained early. One of 11 children, George grew up in a household where money was tight, but generosity overflowed. His father, a hardworking milkman, provided for their large family, and his mother gave whatever she could to charity, in most instances a single dollar. “She’d say, ‘dollars add up,’” George remembered. And they do. Over time, those dollars—and hours—became something much greater.
Now George is not only one of Angela Hospice’s longest-serving volunteers, but also one of its most generous supporters. As a member of Angela Hospice’s Legacy Society, he has included Angela Hospice in his will to ensure Angela’s mission endures for generations to come.
Of course, George’s years at Angela Hospice have been marked by more than just service, they’ve been full of community, camaraderie, and even comedy. Like the time he came to work dressed in a priest’s robe for Halloween, only to be met by visitors eager to confess.
Through it all, George’s favorite quote has grounded him: The Serenity Prayer. “Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“I want to pave the way,” George said. “If you have the means, or just the heart, leave something behind. Time, money, whatever you can. It all matters.”
Angela Hospice is proud to honor George Ski’s compassion and commitment, and we invite you to join him. The Angela Hospice Legacy Society recognizes those who include Angela Hospice in their will or trust, helping ensure compassionate care continues well into the future.
If you’d like to learn more about making a legacy gift or joining the Angela Hospice Legacy Society, please contact Jennifer Dale, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Growth, at 734.953.6009 or visit Legacy Society page.
