Saratoga Springs, NY - Alvin Skipsna, 87, of Second Street, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012 peacefully at his home. A native of Riga, Latvia, he lived most of his life in Saratoga Springs, working for 22 years as librarian for Skidmore College and then as a contract interpreter for the US Department of State. In the latter capacity, he traveled widely in the US and abroad, also serving as an interpreter for President Clinton. Survivors include his daughter, Lelde Sandra Skipsna Muehlenbachs (Karlis); three grandchildren, Atis (Clare Gilbert), Lucija (Stefan Staubli), and Emils and a great-granddaughter Flora Muehlenbachs. The poetry-loving, flower-tending, and knowledge-questing Alvin will always be loved for his brilliance, humor and wisdom. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 6 to 8p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, (584-5373). He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Aina (Abols) near his ancestral home in Latvia. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.