How Skip Hillier Got To Duck Harbor

Ed and Vivian Rutkosky built a small cottage on Duck Harbor in 1957. It was a charming 24’ x 24’ cottage with a flat roof and green siding. They had two daughters, Elaine and Cathy. Cathy was 14 years younger than Elaine, and Ed built a tent platform in the yard where Cathy and the neighborhood kids would sleep most of the summer. The tent even had an extension cord to power a lamp and a radio.

Skip met Elaine at Penn State in 1962, and they married in 1964. They spent as much time as possible at the lake during the summers, but living in Georgia, where Skip worked for Merck Chemical Company, limited their visits to Duck Harbor. Back then, the sawmill was still operating, causing the water level to drop throughout the summer. Many cottages had significant beaches as a result, and docks had to be moved farther out as the season progressed.

In 1975, Skip and Elaine moved back to Honesdale, where Skip took over Ed’s electrical contracting business. By then, they had an eight-year-old daughter, Kristen. As the flat roof of the cottage began to require repairs, they replaced it with a pitched roof, creating a small loft area for Kristen.

Kristen formed friendships at the lake and enjoyed a fair amount of freedom. She quickly realized that James McMyne had a better ski boat than their family did at the time, and it was likely Kristen who introduced Skip and Jim. That introduction sparked a lifelong friendship.

Ed Rutkosky passed away from a heart attack in January 1998. Around the same time, Vivian experienced health issues, prompting an expansion of the cottage to 36’ x 24’. The renovation included a closed-in sunroom and an upgraded kitchen to better accommodate her. Skip and Jim handled the work, which also involved replacing the old asbestos siding and adding a new roof section. Vivian passed away in 2001, and the cottage became Elaine and Skip’s.

Skip and Jim made a tradition of waterskiing every morning at 10:00 AM, before the lake became busy. In the evenings, they took the pontoon boat out for a leisurely cruise. Each morning at 7:00 AM, Skip and Elaine would paddle their canoe around the lake, with Elaine always bringing her trusty camera. Their collection of photos—featuring everything from birds of prey, ducks, and deer to bears, otters, beavers, and breathtaking sunsets—remains a treasured keepsake.

Elaine developed dementia in 2016 and sadly passed away in April 2020. While Skip had always dreamed of living at the lake year-round, Elaine had felt it would be too cold and isolated in the winter. After her passing, Kristen convinced Skip to transform the cottage into a full-time home. Kristen and her husband, Vern, both architects, designed the three-story home that now stands on the property.

One of Skip’s most cherished memories at Duck Harbor was when his best friend, Jim, married Pattie. Jim honored Skip by asking him to be his best man, and the wedding took place on the pontoon boat—a moment Skip considers the ultimate privilege.

In early 2022, Skip met Marianne, a wonderful woman who quickly became an important part of his life. They married in October 2023. Marianne fell in love with the lake and was deeply touched by the warmth and acceptance of the Duck Harbor community. She was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of talents and interests within the small group of residents. The one thing everyone seems to share is a deep love for the lake and a spirit of friendliness and inclusivity that is rare to find elsewhere.

Duck Harbor is truly a unique and special place.