Art Skirrow

November 9, 1923 – August 5, 2015

After a long and productive life in the Barrhead area, Art died at the age of 91, in the Keir Care Center. He was the first child of Harold and Alice Skirrow, who homesteaded in the Stewartfield area. After receiving his basic schooling at Craven School at Mosside, Art attended the Vermilion School of Agriculture for 2 years. In December 1942, he enlisted in the RCAF. After earning his wings, Art spent the remainder of the war based in India, flying B24 Liberator bombers over Southeast Asia. He was discharged in February, 1946 and married Lillian O’Dell in June 1946. They farmed in the Campsie area until 1974, when they moved to Barrhead. Art managed the Barrhead Co-op Petroleum Center until he retired in 1984.

Art is survived by his loving wife; Lillian, of Barrhead, 4 children; Barbara (Dave) Kenyon of Barrhead, Margie Cooper of Nanaimo B.C, Bruce (Valerie) Skirrow of Calgary, Hazel (Dave) McNeill of Sherwood Park; 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, brother Stan (Helen) Skirrow of Edmonton, sister Elsie Bowman of Toronto Ont, sister in law; Gwen O’Dell of Calgary, numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter in law; Brenda Skirrow, brothers in law James O’Dell and Hugh Bowman. Art was well known to many through his years of involvement with the Co-op Board and with the Barrhead Museum. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Barrhead United Church with Rev. David Pype officiating. Interment to follow at Mosside United Church Cemetery. Donations are kindly accepted to the Barrhead Historical Society. Flowers are gratefully declined. Special thanks to the staff at the Keir Center.