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ROBERT FREDERICK SKINNER
Date of Passing: Oct 06, 2009
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROBERT FREDERICK SKINNER Suddenly, on October 6, 2009, Robert F. Skinner of Winnipeg, aged 56. Robert was born in Fort Frances, Ontario and took his schooling there. He then went on to studies at the University of Manitoba and at Queen's. During these University years, he worked as a casual Canada Customs summer student and over time, he rose to higher positions in Emerson, Fort Frances, Sarnia, Ottawa Headquarters, and finally as a director for the Canada Revenue Agency. Robert was predeceased by his father Dr. J. H. Skinner. He leaves to mourn his mother, Mrs. G. M. Skinner of Fort Frances and two brothers, David of Winnipeg and Steven (Allison) of Brantford, Ontario along with his niece F. M. Mackenzie Skinner. Over the years, Robert built up an impressive array of friends whom he often wined and dined especially at the cottage on Hostess Island. These events, some of which included the visit of the Emersonians and the Skinner cousins winter adventure and every July 1st have left a great many happy memories. Robert was kind, affable, hospitable and generous to a fault. He was progressive, tolerant and witty and he almost never stopped working; except for a bike ride, sauna or swim. He has a special place in so many hearts including cousins, colleagues and many life long friends. He lived his life to the full, cruising on the Nile, then on the Queen Mary II and later to Alaska. He enjoyed life on Rainy Lake in all seasons. He worked hard at the CRA. He took care of the many people who needed him. We cannot believe he is no longer with us. The only words which do justice to his memory are those of the poet, Frater ave atque vale , - we will surely meet again. Cremation has taken place with funeral services to be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd with reception to follow. A separate service is planned for interment in Fort Frances, Ontario at a later date. Friends so wishing may remember Robert by donating to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 256 Smith Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1K1 or Christian Children's Fund of Canada, 1200 Denison Street, Markham, Ontario L3R 8G6 THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2009
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I stop by this page every so often to see Robert’s smiling face. I worked with him in the 1990s and really liked him. We weren’t friends just friendly colleagues. He was always kind and respectful to everyone he interacted with and because of this he was very well liked and respected by all. I remember the shock of learning of his passing and felt that the world had become a little less amazing when he left it. His gentle wit and kind nature are something that the world could really have used these past few years. Not sure if his family visit this site but if they do, please know Robert is still fondly remembered by people who only knew him in passing. - Posted by: Phoenix (Kay) Scholze (Former colleague) on: Nov 03, 2023
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To Robert's Family: My sincere condolences to all of you on the sudden passing of Robert. Robert was a great boss, colleague and friend. So many of us in Ottawa gained so much from being in Robert's presence. I already miss having great dinners, wine (always his knowledgeable selection), and conversations with Robert over history, politics and religion. I will certainly miss his rare integrity, intelligence, and his always-sage advice. As we all know, Robert had a great wit, a wonderful ability with words and of course, that inescapable "turn of the phrase". My thoughts are with all of you. Sincerely, Ian - Posted by: Ian Clark (Friend) on: Oct 14, 2009