JAMES SKILNICK

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JAMES SKILNICK It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James Clarence Skilnick of Norwood and Windsor Park on Sunday, May 8, 2011. Jim was born in St. Boniface Hospital on April 4, 1938, to John and Catherine Skilnick. He grew up on Marion Street in Norwood and shared his boyhood adventures with his three brothers: Robert, John and Edward. Being the oldest, brought on new responsibilities to Jim, he had to provide care and resources to his family. His duties as a small growing boy included safety patrol, newspaper boy, complaint boy, and assistant shack manager for the Winnipeg Tribune and the Free Press. Sometimes individually, other times all at once, he did what he could to help out in hard times and two or three jobs mattered. As a young man, he worked at Norwood Box, Canada Packers and the CN/Via Rail. Also as a young man, he had two passions, cars and girls. His Pontiac cars were some of the best looking cars on the street. They had at least ten coats of wax and the chrome sparkled in the sun. Jim's black book was filled with enough names and phone numbers that it rivaled the MTS Yellow Pages. While employed with VIA Rail for 31 years, Jim had the opportunity to meet many, many individuals from all walks of life. His mailbox overflowed with letters, gifts and notes of gratitude for the service that he extended. He had been known to mention, "I walked all the way from Toronto to Vancouver more than a time or two, sometimes I even beat the train into the station". Although he never married, he was a family man of sorts. He always picked up his cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives and friends, taking them with him on holidays, business, and school or beach trips. He was especially fond of his nephew, Trever. He spent a considerable amount of time taking Trever and his grandmother Catherine on a variety of outings and holidays to Vancouver. He and his brothers spent many an enjoyable day at Grand Beach or Keystone Dragways. Jim was always there with that extra hand if you were doing a renovation or going out to cut wood in the bush. He would drive your tractor, help feed the cows, throw some hay, even do some milking . He always had an opinion on whatever you were doing. Right or wrong, he voiced his. Though we never could find out what party he supported, he was always a conservative liberal democrat with social lien . Jim is survived by his brothers: Robert (Joan) of Langley, BC, John (Ali) of Red Deer, AB and Edward (Elizabeth) of Winnipeg; his Aunt Anne Stoski and Uncle Walter Wozney of Yorkton, SK; Katherine of Winnipeg; nephews: Trever, Jason, Robert Jr.; nieces: Barbara, Renay, Julie, Elizabeth, Jaylee; plus numerous cousins and friends. Jim's wishes have been granted and cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 15, at 3:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in Jim's name may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2011