Robert 'Bob' Bob W. Skinner

      Bob Skinner was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Bob will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      He was born on February 23, 1944 at St. Rita's Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He was the son of Gertrude 'Gertie' and Roy Skinner and raised by his mom and stepfather Donald MacLellan, as his father died when Bob was only 3 years of age. Bob grew up in Inverness.

      Bob was raised with five siblings. He had three brothers Roy, Don and Alex and two sisters, Carole and Cathy. Bob was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Bob had a number of interests. Bob was an active child who took part in baseball, hockey and fishing. In his spare time he liked reading comics, playing cards, fishing and dancing. Bob's memorable achievements included. However, to Bob, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

      Bob took the Instrumentation program and task courses on housing from Dalhousie University.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Bob enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Reg MacIsaac, Reg Deveaux, cousins Fred Lewis and Gerard MacNamara.

       Empathic and loyal, Bob was committed to making his new family happy.

      Bob worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Bob was blessed with four children, Roy, Carla, Robbie and David. Another blessing for Bob was the gift of six grandchildren, Gracie, Brady, Dane, Sydney, Cadence and Sawyer.

      Fortunately, Bob enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Bob worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a housing inspector. He was employed for the County of Cape Breton. Bob always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Bob enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were dancing, watching sports on television and being involved in different committees. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Bob found pleasure in sports. In high school, Bob played hockey. Recreational sports included bowling, reading, watching sports and murder mysteries. Bob was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were golf, football, hockey, baseball; basically all sports.

      Throughout his life, Bob was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Bob was an active member of the community and church organizations and coached basketball at elementary and junior high levels.

      Bob was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. Politically, Bob was involved with the Liberal Association.

      Bob’s faith was important to him. He was a member Holy Rosary parish fro over 35 years. During that time, he was an usher and on parish council.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition. Some of his most prestigious awards included awards for his work with affordable housing in the county of Cape Breton.

      Bob enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax. Favorite vacations included trips to visit his children and grandchildren in Ottawa and Halifax.

      When Bob’s retirement finally arrived in 2002, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in reading, doing Sudoku, Crosswords and watch television. Even in retirement, Bob continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Bob was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Bob passed away on February 16, 2016 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney from cancer of the liver. He is survived by his wife Georgette, children Carla, Roy, Robbie and David and grandchildren, Gracie, Brady, Dane, Sydney, Cadence and Sawyer. Services were held at Holy Rosary Church. Bob was laid to rest in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Westmount.

      Simply stated, Bob was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bob leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Bob.

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Bob Skinner

Westmount

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the death of Robert William Skinner on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 71 years of age.

Born in Inverness on February 23, 1944, Robert was the son of the late Gertrude MacLellan (MacMaster) and the late Roy Skinner.

Through the years he worked as a draftsman and instrumentation inspector prior to being employed with the Cape Breton County for 18 years. He was a member of many committees and organizations within the community having received the Citizen of the Year award in 1982. Robert will always be remembered for his jovial disposition and his love of family.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, the former Georgette Gallant; daughter Carla (Dean) Usher, Ottawa; sons Roy (Danielle), Halifax; Robbie, Ottawa and David (Irene), Ottawa and by his six grandchildren whom he dearly treasured and loved, Gracie, Brady, Dane, Sydney, Cadence and Sawyer. He is also survived by his brothers Don (Glenn), Deleware; Roy (Agnes), Niagara on the Lakes and sister Carole, Ottawa. His grandchildren and nieces and nephews always felt extra special around Robert.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather Donald MacLellan, his sister Cathy (Henry) Jantzen and brother Alex MacLellan.

Visitation for the late Mr. Skinner will take place on Friday, February 19 from 7-9 pm at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, February 20 at Holy Rosary Church, Westmount, with Fr. Doug Murphy officiating.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Cape Breton Regional Hospital or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com