An Open Letter from Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

I started at the Foundation the same year that Skip was elected to office, 2008.  During his tenure the Foundation recognized many preservation projects that the City of Saratoga Springs completed under his leadership.Projects recognized with Preservation Recognition Awards include: the restoration of the stairs and lions at City Hall; the restoration of the roof of Drink Hall; the restoration of the sidewalk, stairs, and dogs at the Canfield Casino; the restoration of the Deer Park Spring; the restoration of the Katrina Trask Gateway in Congress Park; the restoration of the ceiling of the ballroom at the Canfield Casino; and the rehabilitation of City Hall following the damage from the lighting strike. 

I was looking forward to this year recognizing his efforts to restore the Civil War Monument in Congress Park and the parlor of the Canfield Casino.  It simply won’t be the same without him there to accept the awards.   

Of all the projects, I am most grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Skip best by working with him on the four-year restoration project of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park, a joint project between the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and City of Saratoga Springs.  We both took great pride in the success of that special project.

I’m so pleased that we were able to host a tour of City Hall in December to celebrate its 150 anniversary and to showcase the rehabilitation of the building.  It was great to have Skip beam with pride as he led a tour of the building and shared about the project. 

Skip made a lasting impact by preserving the historic architecture and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs for future generations. Not only was he a wonderful friend to the Foundation, I considered him a personal friend.  He will be greatly missed.

On the behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Corinne, family, staff, and friends. 

In my mind, you will always be cruisin’ around town in your yellow convertible with a smile.