Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce that our beloved William (Bill) Gordon Skinner, born in Toronto, Ontario, on September 22, 1966, has passed away after a lengthy sickness at Toronto Western Hospital on April 7, 2025, at the age of 58.
Survived by his parents Dianne (Leo) Izzard, New Glasgow, Junior (Julie) Skinner, Toronto and sister Wanda (Roddie) Skinner, New Glasgow, brothers Leo (Angie) Izzard, New Glasgow, Shane (Jess) Izzard Toronto, Blair (Wendy) Skinner Toronto, Artie (Karen) Skinner, Toronto, Les (Kelly) Borden, Grand Prairies, Duke Jones, Ottawa, Robert Desmond, Truro, and Ron Johnson; and special cousin Brian Jr. Daye, Hinton, AB; special Aunt Linda Izzard, Halifax; nieces: Shanice Skinner, Nicole and Hailey Lewis, Julia Skinner, Breanna Skinner; Natasha Kirton, and Emmie Specht; nephews: Marcus MacLean, Travis Adams, Josh Lewis, Justin Izzard, Ethan and Eyden Skinner and Ryland Specht; chosen-daughter Ronnette Wilson, Toronto and chosen sons Amos, Tyrone, and Dwayne Neil, Toronto. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents and caregivers, Hattie & Charlie Ashe; maternal grandparents, Maude & Alvin MacLean, and fraternal grandparents, Rita and Arthur Skinner; brother, Sandy Jones; special uncle, Brian Daye; and special aunts, Norma Ashe and Lillian Desmond; special love, Rose Neil, chosen granddaughter, Keyaira Neil.
Bill was a wonderful man with a "Heart of Gold" – a devoted son, uncle, father/ grandfather figure, and trustworthy friend to family and friends.
With his gentle spirit, Bill made sure he spoke with his mother Dianne, and sister, Wanda daily to see what they were up to, give a weather report, and ask what was cooking for dinner – since he missed a good home-cooked meal; even though he was a great cook himself with his specialties being baked macaroni and cheese and someone who could make a tasty gravy out of any meat. Bill also had an unbreakable bond with his brother, Shane, and sister Wanda, whom he could count on each day, and enjoyed spending time with cousins Dan, Paul, and (late) Blair Izzard daily to get the latest news about the scrap and trucking business.
However, Bill's most immense love was always returning to Nova Scotia from Toronto to visit his "Upper Big Tracadie" friends and Family. He would barely have the chance to drive up to his grandparents' Hattie and Charlie's homestead when cars and trucks would arrive to help him set up the house for his vacation. Bill couldn't wait to call his brother, Leo, to get their fishing rods ready so they could head to their favorite spot to fish for trout and mackerel. He also enjoyed a good Pictou County pizza with an extra shake of pepper, and a fun game of Rummy 500 with his mother.
Bill was a dedicated employee at Terry Thorntons who supervised the warehouse, delivered furniture, and handled jobs for Loblaws. He was also a Welder by trade (he attended Canso Regional Vocational School between 1984 and 1986 and received his welding diploma). He liked tinkering with trucks and cars in the garage because he said someone was always fixing something. So, he was always ready with his tools and a case of Budweiser for the job.
Bill and his family appreciated all the thoughts and prayers from family and friends while he was in the hospital. Especially faithful visits from caregivers-brother Shane and sister Wanda, cousin Dan and his fiancé Heather, cousin Brenda and Charles Paco, brother Blair, his wife Wendy, and his father Junior; and special Uncle Randy MacLean. Also, prayer warriors, Cousin Valarie Skinner, and a friend of the family, Robert Borden.
Bill's legacy and love for everyone will remain in our hearts until we are fortunate to see him again.
On behalf of The Family, we also thank all the medical staff at Toronto Western Hospital who cared for Bill.
A celebration of life service will be held in Toronto, with a private family burial service at Sunnyview Cemetery in Monastery, Nova Scotia, to be held later.
The Celebration of Life will occur on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Service will begin at 2:00 p.m.
The Canadian Regional Legion
243 Coxwell Street
Toronto, Ontario (south of Gerrard St, on the east side of Coxwell St)
Food will be served.
Refreshments—non-alcoholic and alcoholic—are available at the Bar (cash only).
In lieu of flowers, the Family would appreciate any memorial donations to be made to the Upper Big Tracadie United Baptist Church, with condolences sent to Wanda Skinner by email: [email protected].
Visitation
Service
April 12, 2025
Canadian Regional Legion
02:00 PM
