Garry was a high achiever and friend. We came to know each other through one of the books I am writing about student athletes and the importance of sport to education and how vital education is to maintaining a functioning democracy.

During our discussions, I learned that our sports and work histories crossed to make our adolescent and professional lives amazingly similar even though Garry was a decade older than myself.

We attended the same high schools. We both worked at Crystal Beach Park and then the CNE. I graduated from CB Public school, the only K-8 institution during those days with a gym. Garry became principal there while I attended college on an athletic scholarship. Garry knew the importance of involving students and community in that fine teaching facility. Garry like Bob Fox, played in the first Tribune BB Tournament. I remember playing for the championship with my best friends in the 8th Tribune BB Tournament. I could go on about such similarities but there are other things. Garry's younger brother Brian was a senior at RCBHS when I was a 9th grader. Brian and his friends were my heroes not just because they won the football championship, but because they had the type of senior leadership that makes a school proud. I have been told that might have transferred to us. Not that any of us were perfect, but that we were hard workers who cared about school, democracy, and other students -- perhaps worth considering why my teammates duplicated their football accomplishments. But then again perhaps it was because we had the same coach. Garry agreed with that assessment though he never experienced Cy Wilkinson -- only hearing of him fom Brian and his friends.

Wilkinson used a phrase that I have heard from many professional and college coaches since. But Wilkinson said it first. It is a phrase that applied to Garry, Brian, and my teammates. It's a phrase that also applies to the education necessary for maintaining a democracy. "If we do the right things -- winning will take care of itself."

Garry, I 'm gonna miss ya! We're all gonna miss ya!

I’m very sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I have so many great memories of Gary and his family over the years. He cared deeply about our community, and I’m grateful for the work we did together on issues that mattered. He believed in public access to the waterfront, opening our waterfront road allowances, Bay Beach, and so much more. Gary’s dedication to Fort Erie and the people who live here made a real difference. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Tom Lewis

Sending condolences to all of Garry’s family. He was such a kind man, and welcomed our family to the big Christmas Eve gatherings that he and Greta hosted at their beautiful home. I was lucky to tag along with Arnold and Shirley a few times. I hope your wonderful memories of Garry bring you some comfort at this sad time.

So very sorry for your loss of Garry. I'm so glad I got to see him at Kimmy's memorial last May and have a visit; he was such a kind and thoughtful man. Thinking of you all and sending love.

Rachel and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.  Your Dad was a great teacher…along with your Mom…I honestly Loved them both so much!!  May your Dad rest in peace❤️

Mr. Skerrett was a favourite teacher of mine.  I was blessed to have him in grade 7 at CBPS, and then when I started grade 9 at RHS.  He was a wonderful man.  May his memories be a blessing.   Sincere condolences to his family.

Such a beautiful tribute to the Patriarch of the Skerrett family!!! I remember him as a kind and gentle soul and my condolences go out to all of you.

I was at the RCBHS prom in the early 50’s when Garry and Greta were crowned King and Queen. They were always a beautiful couple. My condolences to Brian and the family.
Farrol Elliott Ciebien

Mr. Skerrett was my favourite high school teacher!  He was my geography teacher way back in 1976! I still remember his deadpan sense of humour and the hikes he took us on. He instilled in me a lifelong love of hiking and being in nature.  My condolences to your family.

My sincere condolences to the entire Skerrett family!

My sincere condolences to the Skerrett family.  Greta was my Home economics teacher at Fort Erie High school. I am so sorry for your loss.  

Norma Clory (Clayton),  Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I had the pleasure of working with Garry at RCBHS in the early 1990's.  He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.  Condolences to all his family on this great loss.  
Annie Mercier-Beaudoin

My condolences to the Skerret Family. I was introduced to the Skerret family through Paul Hopley who was a cousin to Neal , Brian and Garry and sister Debbie. Paul and I would join the family many a Saturday evening playing Scat and Chase the Ace. There might be as many as twelve or more ofus playing. RIP Garry and to those of us left behind, enjoy life to the fullest. God Bless us all.     Roger Green.

Garry was a close friend for 78 years.   We shared many good times together and eventhough we lived apart for many years we kept in touch over the telephone.   He will be missed.

Mr. Skerrett was one of my favorite teachers at Lockview.  Condolences to his family!  May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Philip Skerrett

June 16, 1938 – February 25, 2026

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