Obituary of Richard Theo Skinner

Richard Theo Skinner, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.  Born in Berwick Hospital on May 6, 1930, he was the son of the late Theo and Margaret (Nutley) Skinner, and grew up in South Waterville.

Richard graduated from Kings County Academy and attended Provincial Normal School in Truro (Class of 1950) to become a teacher. Later, he resided in Coldbrook and then Cambridge. Richard taught school for 15 years.  Leaving the profession, he worked at various jobs and became employed at Hostess Foods (now PepsiCo), from where he retired in 1995.  

Richard loved the Lord and was a member of Cambridge Baptist Church. He had many interests including the Kings Historical Society, genealogy, the environment, Northville Farm Heritage Centre, and the Burial Grounds Care Society.

Although tests revealed cancer, he insisted he had no pain. Up until the preceding week, Richard lived at home with his loving wife, Joanne.

The family is extremely thankful to the kind staff at the Valley Regional Hospital for their excellent care at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Mary (Morrisey); his daughter, Heather (Chris Slauenwhite); grandchildren, Kenzie and Jamin; and great granddaughter, Briar; step daughter, Cheryl (Walter Seto); grandchildren, Lauren, Roslyn, Ethan; step daughter, Kristine Winegarden; grandchildren, Logan and Jessica; great grandchildren, Greyson, Brooks, Reece; and step daughter, Barbara (Dave McMahon); grandchild Hailey.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, John Skinner (RCAF 1945) and Bill Skinner; and by his first wife Veronica Taylor.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration to honour Richard’s life will take place on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Cambridge Baptist Church, with a reception to follow. Donations in his memory may be made to Cambridge Baptist Church, Canadian Cancer Society, or Burial Grounds Care Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).