I.A. “Ski” Bankowski passed away on March 21st 2023, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lynn Wilson Bankowski; his children, Bart Gregory Bankowski (Christine) and Bethany Tatyana Bankowski; two grandsons, Clate Andrew and Brett Wilkes Bankowski; and close cousin, Bradley Wilkes (Shirley). He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet Mae Wilkes Bankowski and Victor Caesar Bankowski.
Ski was born on October 25, 1941, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He also resided in Morrisville, NY, Huntsville, AL (Joe Bradley), Birmingham, AL (Shades Valley ’59). While in Huntsville, Ski spent much of his youth working with his father and uncle (William “Bill” Wilkes) in and around radio and television (WHNT/WBHP). After graduating from the University of Alabama in 1964, he married and returned to Huntsville. Ski worked for WAAY (tv- broadcast technician) for several years before entering the aerospace industry as a systems analyst. Ski worked for McDonnell-Douglas Aerospace before finishing his career at the Boeing Company.
Ski had a vast interest in his Polish ancestry, airplanes, motorcycles, war history and his many pet golden retrievers. He coached Little League Baseball (Oak Park –Civic League) and loved the mountains of Montana. He was an excellent “tinkerer” and valued the task of showing his grandsons how things worked.
The family will hold a private celebration of life. In memory of Ski, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Hospice of North Alabama, Adopt a Golden Birmingham or The Greater Huntsville Humane Society in his honor.
Ski Bankowski will be missed.
