April 19, 1932 – July 5, 2020
Donald Lawrence Skinner, 88, died Sunday, July 5th, 2020 peacefully at home.
Don was predeceased by his mother Martha Ernestine Skinner (Poirier), father Murray Clifford Skinner, his two brothers Alfred and Gerald Skinner, and his wife Nola Joyce Skinner (Kyle) in 1996.
He leaves behind his beloved partner for the past 22 years, Gloria Beck, his sons Murray Skinner (Laurel Beach) and Jeffrey Skinner and daughters Lori Rantala (Randy) and Kim Skinner (Laura Lee Billing). Don was blessed with five grandchildren, Kyle and Kaitlin Skinner (Ross Piaskoski), Barry Arklie, Alyssa and Jai Rantala, and two great grandchildren, Mila and Roman Piaskoski. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and in-laws. All that knew him would agree that he was the nicest, kindest, and friendliest man you would ever meet.
Born April 19, 1932 in Grand Prairie, Alberta Don lived in the west through The Great Depression before his family moved to Fort William, Ontario.
Don was lucky to have enjoyed retirement longer than he worked. He started with CNCP as a telegrapher in Sioux Lookout before a quick stint in Winnipeg before he was stationed in Fort Frances where he raised his family in what he and our Mom would say were the Golden Years. Later he was transferred to Thunder Bay, Ontario and returned to Fort Frances shortly after retiring at the age of 51.
Don was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed swimming at Pither’s Point with his children, tossing a ball and skating with his grandchildren. He loved to watch his own kids compete in diving, gymnastics and hockey. Later in life he found new passions in golf and curling and up until this past winter, curled in a league at St. James Curling Club.
Don had a lifelong appetite for good and happy times. As a young man he went by the nickname DonikerQ often asking “the Q stands for pool – want to play?” He enjoyed fishing on Rainy Lake with his good friends, hearing and telling a good joke, playing the mouth organ and listening to his son Jeff play the guitar. Rest in Peace now Dad – Grampa Don – FaFa, and keep cheering us on from the stands in Heaven.
Our entire family would like to thank The Boulton Retirement Community for the excellent care and environment they provided him.
In light of COVID-19, there will be no ceremony at this time. We hope to have a Celebration of Life in the coming year.
In Lieu of Flowers the Skinner family suggests a donation to
9 thoughts on “Donald (Don) Lawrence Skinner”
Dad, you knew I loved you . Thank you for my life ,and for your firm yet loving guidance in life . Love you Daddy .your son Jeffrey .
So sorry for your loss my friend Lori ❤️✌️
I have wonderful memories of Don and Nola and all the Skinner/Kyle family get-togethers, many years ago. I remember Don’s kind and soft voice, always smiling when he called me Dougie. Gentle, loving, and always warmly inviting to everyone. Uncle Don will be missed and fondly remembered. My heart-felt condolences to all his family. Love to all!
Dear Gloria, Murray, Lori, Kim and Jeffrey and families,
We spoke to Don on July 4, he and Bob had a great conversation and a few laughs over memories working together at CNCP Telegraph.
We both have wonderful memories of great times with Don and Nola here in Thunder Bay and also of visiting him and Gloria in Winnipeg. We were hoping to drive out there next summer, if the world is more “normal” by then.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Bob Walker and Lorna Olson
Thank you for the message. It’s so nice you connected on the 4th. He was fond the CNCP era and friends.
Thanks for the kind words about my father. Nice he talked with Bob and Lorna recently. Lori Rantala
Dear Gloria & family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We became friends………actually felt like “family”…………with Don & Gloria when we bought our home on Capulet Crescent in 2001. As luck would have it Don & Gloria lived next door! The friendship blossomed right away………….but when we had our son in 2005 and then our daughter in 2006 the relationship became even stronger! They LOVED our kids and became grandparents to them right away! Our kids would run over to their place with any bit of news – laughter, joy and pride was evident. Don would stand on a milk crate on his side of our shared fence to visit with our dog Bree in the back yard and chat with the kids! And when we started a vegetable garden we shared our produce with Don & Gloria on a regular basis. Don became known as the “cherry tomato thief”……….we had a plant growing beside our garage and could not figure out why it was producing so few tomatoes…………only to find out it was Don eating them!
We were very sad when they sold their home and moved to Boulton…………we tried to visit often but there was never enough time in our weeks. Don (and sometimes Gloria – in good weather) would pop over to the old neigbourhood every once in awhile. The kids would visit and we would share our garden produce.
Thankfully Don had just been over for a “distanced driveway visit” only about 1 month ago. He was well and we loved catching up with him. I told him to be sure to come back when the garden started producing!
My teenagers – Don & Gloria’s adopted grandkids – were so upset when we learned of Don’s death. Their were tears rolling down their cheeks……………Don was the BEST grandpa…………….and will be greatly missed!
We are sad that we can’t go over to the Boulton and give Gloria a big hugs and offer any kind of support due to Covid………….but as soon as we can arrange something we will!!!
Coleene, Bruce, Kaleb & Berhanesh Major
Thanks for the kind words. My Dad always spoke kindly of his bonus “grand kids” and we knew he had great neighbours in you. Thank you for the kind words… Murray Skinner
Dear ,Murray , Lori, Kim & Jeff and families,
My condolences for the loss of your dear father . I only meet your dad a few times and I was his friend on facebook so followed his life a little . I have meet all of you kids at least once and your mom was one of my favourite cousins . Part of your mom and dad will always be with you .
Barb Mansell