June 3, 1933 – March 15, 2022
After a year and a half of deteriorating health Don passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 with his daughter Sandra by his side. Don was predeceased by his beloved wife June in 2014, shortly after celebrating 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his sister Edna Chruszcz (Cas predeceased) and was predeceased by his parents Sidney and Lillian Skinner and siblings Gord (Marg) Skinner and Millie (Charlie) Tatham. Don will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his children; Steve (Mavis Turner), Mike (Debbie) and Sandra (Tracy LaPlante), grandchildren; Andrea (Lyle Renaud), Matt (Julie) Skinner and Kyle (Stephanie) Skinner, Kira Skinner (Rob Bosshard), Lucas LaPlante and Sydney LaPlante (John MacKinnon), step grandchildren; Robin Turner, Randi Franco, Bobbi Turner and Bonnie Smit and great-grandchildren; Emma Renaud, Taylor Renaud, Raya Skinner, Colton Skinner and Riley Skinner.
Don grew up on the water and developed a love for the outdoors at a very early age. Tales of his younger years were full of fun and adventure. Family came first. There was always time for a day on the boat, camping trips, fishing, water skiing, tobogganing or just sitting and playing a game with the whole family. Don was fortunate to enjoy a 39 year career with Bell Canada where he spent his days outdoors exploring the area by truck, boat and snowmobile. Upon retirement he and first mate June sailed to the Bahamas from Midland. After spending nine winters sailing among the many islands of the Bahamas Don and June chose to winter in their RV on the Arizona desert. Don and June cherished the time they spent travelling together and the wonderful friends they met along the way. Summers would find them spending time with their family and travelling throughout Canada in the RV. After June’s passing their daughter Sandra made sure that Don continued his RV adventures and together they explored a few US States and Canada from coast to coast (Vancouver Island to Newfoundland). Don was a man of many talents and interests. He could fix just about anything, loved to read and had the ability to offer a wise word on just about any subject. Don taught for the Power Squadron and was very involved with amateur radio and the Midland Bay Sailing Club for many years. Don’s amazing smile, quick wit and great sense of humour will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on June 11th at 11:30am in the Visitor Centre of the Wye Marsh. Please consider joining us for a walk following the Celebration and lunch.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made at adamsfuneralhome.ca