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DONALD SKELLY (DON)
Born: Dec 04, 1924
Date of Passing: May 03, 2022
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DONALD SKELLY
December 4, 1924 - May 3, 2022
The family of Donald Skelly is saddened to announce the passing of our dear husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend on May 3, 2022. At 97 years young, the man we nicknamed the "energizer bunny" peacefully passed away. It's hard to believe but we are shocked by his passing, and anyone who knew him would feel the same.
Besides the hole in our hearts, he leaves behind the wife he cared for, loved, and cherished for 72 years, Patricia, his brother and best friend, Bill, (daughters Julie and Diana and family.). His children, Don, Bill (Jan), Bob (Jodi), Greg (Kate) and Maureen (Dennis). Grandchildren, Lauren (Dustin and great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlie), Kristen, Christopher (Brittney and great-granddaughter Emerson), Samantha (Eric), Ian (Lindsay and great-grandson Connor), Tim (Candace and great-granddaughter Joni), Megan, Janelle (Darren and great- grandchildren Kashton and Logan), and Mathew. He also leaves behind the many special friends he has made. He always made an effort to be kind and caring to everyone he came in contact with - he truly had a special way with people and has touched many lives.
Don was predeceased by his parents, James and Mildred, his brother Robert, as well other relatives and friends that he held so dear.
Don was a proud veteran of the Second World War. He signed up at a young age and after extensive training in the Royal Canadian Air Force throughout Canada, he was assigned to the flight crews in England. He was a Flight Lieutenant and flew numerous missions over Germany. He loved the Lancaster Bomber that he flew in and the mighty plane kept Don safe through his years in war. He was a war hero to be sure.
At 97 years of age, there are so many things that remind us of him and it's hard to express the impact he has on our lives. Everyone who knew Don always remarked on how friendly he was and how much they enjoyed his company. If you met him, you already know this.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us to express their condolences - we truly appreciate it. In accordance with Don's wishes, there will be no funeral service A small family gathering is planned.
In true Don fashion, we found a note in his papers, which sums up some of the things he felt.
"The Last Word
When I die, I just want to be cremated, and if it happens in Florida, scatter my ashes in the ocean at South Lido and if it happens here, scatter my ashes in Lake Winnipeg.
There is no need for a service, the only ones who would attend would be all of you. All of our friends are gone, my brother Robert has passed away and my brother Bill and I have said our goodbyes.
All of you are my legacy, all of you have been my greatest joy and source of happiness. To have watched all of you grow and age and succeed, each on your own pathway has been a great ride for me, so shed no tears, I went smiling and content.
Now, if it happens, and your Mother doesn't get her wish, and I go before her, there are a few things I must say.
We were married in 1949 and that was the very best decision I ever made. Your mum had to endure raising you while I worked all over the country, gone for weeks and sometimes months. Incidentally, that's why I never took up golf, the last thing she needed to hear when I got back was that I was going to play golf. Instead, I took you fishing or to Birds Hill Park where we cooked hot dogs, fun days.
The two of us had a great life together, before retirement, we bowled, spent time on the farm in Arborg, built a cottage, looked out for bears and then came retirement, and Florida became part of a new life, new friends, new adventures, cruising the Caribbean.
So my dear, how lucky I was to have found you those many years ago. I couldn't have loved anyone more than I have loved you. Take Care. PS If you do have a little gathering when I go, have fireworks."
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Arborg Hospital for being so amazing to Don while he was in hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choosing.
Voyage Funeral Home has been entrusted with our precious father, feel free to leave a comment or memory on their website:
https://voyagefuneralhomes.com
Wherever you're going, I hope they have a great library... till we meet again...
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2022
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I remember Dan and Pat Skelly when I was in my early 20s. I believe Pat was related to my mother, Belle Baily, and they were perhaps second cousins. I remember both Don and Pat as lovely people, and offer sincere sympathies to Pat and the family. - Posted by: Georgina Baily Burstow (Distant relative) on: Jun 01, 2022
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I was shocked to read of Don's passing at such a tender age. Pat, the both of you seemed so full of life; so positive in your outlook; so devoted to each other and so willing to help out when we were doing our fund raisers. Thank you for all that. My thoughts and prayers for consolation are sent your way. From Joan Siran - Posted by: Joan Siran (member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic church) on: May 17, 2022
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I met Donald when I was a librarian at the Gimli Library. He was always a wonderful patron and always had such kind words for us working. Every week he would walk in the door with his books with a big smile and a "Hello" for everyone there! I will miss our conversations. I found him to be a real gentleman to all of us and never once had a complaint about anything. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his loving family. What a beautiful letter he left behind for you. - Posted by: melanie dryden (friends) on: May 12, 2022
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Autie Pat, I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Don's passing. Both you and Don have always had a special place in my heart since that summer at Ponemah Beach when dad and Don were sent from their desks at CNR in Montreal to work here in Winnipeg. Mom, Jeff and I along with you and your boys were lucky enough to join them and we all stayed in that big cottage at Ponemah. I still have many fond memories of that time along with many more since then. Please know that you, the boys and Maureen are in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping you can find peace and comfort in knowing he was and you are well loved. Take care of yourselves. - Posted by: Nancy (Betts) Fitmaurice (Family Friend) on: May 10, 2022
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As long as I can remember the Skellys were our dear neighbors two doors down on Rowandale Crescent. Our families were very close spending holidays together, visiting the Klym farm outside of Arborg, going on road trips to Disney World and attending weddings in both families. Mr. Skelly was always a huge part of the planning and preparation of every production. He was a second father to me and played a significant role in my development through childhood, adolescence and then adulthood. Rest in peace my friend and God bless your soul. - Posted by: David Dowhan (Friend) on: May 10, 2022
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We met Don in Tri Par Estate some 25 years ago and as Canadians spending winters in Florida. We did a lot of cruises with Don and Pat and with his brother Bill and wife Pat. We did a lot of volunteer work with them as well. Don was very capable in all he undertook and he retained these qualities in his late years. We send our deepest sympathies to Pat and family. Estelle and Howard - Posted by: Howard and Estelle Bernard (Friends ) on: May 09, 2022
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Although we have only been friends for 11 yrs, Both Don & Pat have touched our lives in very special ways. Don was a man who always had a story to tell and his stories were always the informative kind. If you listened, you learned. Our initial connection was Military but quickly broadened to life in general. He had a warm personality, was a wealth of knowledge and you always knew who was learning from whom. He didn't mind correcting you when you were mistaken, which is always a good sign of a teacher. Don will be missed by all who knew him. Per Ardua Ad Astra. - Posted by: Bill and Bev Doman (Friends) on: May 09, 2022
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For many years, the Skelly family lived on Rowandale Crescent, a few doors down from my uncle and aunt, Walter and Simone Dowhan, and they were always included in the Dowhans' Christmas Eve dinners and other family gatherings. Whenever we'd get together, Mr. and Mrs. Skelly showed genuine interest in what each of us was up to, whether it was related to school, travel or family. We will always remember Mr. Skelly as kind and thoughtful, with a great sense of humour, but above all, he was a true gentleman. Our sincere condolences to the Skelly family. - Posted by: Larry and Gail Hamilton (Friends) on: May 08, 2022
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I first met Don through his daughter Maureen when we lived just a street apart, probably in the late 1990s. He immediately impressed me with his sincere friendliness. Eventually I went to work for Maureen and Dennis and so got to know Don even more. His sense of humour, wit, intelligence continued to impress me. I’m sure that his love of family, friends, and life will be lovingly remembered by all who were lucky to know him. Rest well Don. - Posted by: Michelle Cockerill (Family friend ) on: May 07, 2022
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Dear Aunty Pat, and my cousins Don, Bill, Bob, Greg, and Maureen - I cherish all the times I spent with Uncle Don and yourself Aunty Pat. I remember being with you guys at Falcon Lake swimming and having so much fun. Uncle Don loved to tease me and call me Stevie so I would fit in with the boys (before Maureen showed her presence to the world) I was a special girl to both of you. I remember uncle Don playing trivia or asking questions about the world and he was so knowledgeable about everything. I always remember him having a book in his hand or reading. Uncle Don was there for me at Ken and my wedding making a speech for the bride (Susan). He had many funny things to say and also lovely things to say. It was wonderful 🥰Plus I found out both of you celebrate your Anniversary on the same date. Oct 29th (of course you were married a different year. Lol lol He was so proud of me when I got the job at Air Canada, or the fact I was a mother to twin boys.... Uncle Don was a tease but had the biggest 💖💓 I loved him so much. Ken, myself, Scott, Shane, and Daniel are very sad 🥺 he has passed away. Totally shocked on a man I believe would have been around until at least 101 years.... I have so many memories of uncle Don I couldn't write them all down. I will cherish them for ever. Aunty Pat you guys were like Romeo and Juliet, never separated always together. Great role model for your children. Love all of you Skelly's and praying for all of you to get through this difficult time of losing husband and father. Hugs Susan - Posted by: Susan Barchuk (Niece ) on: May 07, 2022
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So sorry for your loss as a family. It is so hard to lose someone so vital! Enjoy remembering him as a family this weekend! Your Dad had a long, and love filled life, there is so much to celebrate! Love, Bruce and Marcie Forbes - Posted by: Bruce FORBES (family friend) on: May 07, 2022