Obituary for Albert Maxwell Skinner
It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Maxwell Skinner, 85 of Lunenburg announces his passing on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care, Lunenburg.
Born in Little Bay West, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland, Albert was the son of the late John and Rosanna (Garland) Skinner.
Albert left Little Bay West at age 14 to seek work in St. John’s, finding his first job in the kitchen of the then US Air Force Base, and later on sea going vessels. Several years later he joined other members of his family in a move to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where he took to the high seas, travelling on oil tankers with Imperial Oil and on board the research vessel, the “Vema”.
Then in his mid-twenties, married to Josephine with a young family of their own, he left the sea to begin his career as a welder with ABCO, Lunenburg, for 25 years. Then turning to his innate building skills, formed a partnership PA's Carpentry Plus, and eventually finished his working career as groundskeeper at the Bluenose Golf Club for 12 years, retiring at 65.
Albert was a long time member of the Lunenburg Curling Club, enjoying the sport and the social life up into his 80s, a regular among the Senior men at the morning matches. In the summer he could be found on the golf course with his buddies, playing a round or two, sharing a meal at the club house and making the most of his Lifetime Membership awarded to him upon retirement. In his spare time, you could find Albert in his workshop focused on the latest building project, or outside with Josephine in the garden.
Albert loved to walk and had his regular routes around Lunenburg, often going for a visit with family. The walk shortened in his final years, where he could be spotted daily in his downtown route, always ready with a smile and a wave, a quick hello or stopping for a bit of a chat.
Most of all, Albert was committed to family, a well-loved, brother, husband, father, uncle and great grampy. His gentle, loving nature and his shining Newfoundland spirit will be sorely missed.
Albert is survived by his daughters, Juliette (George) Joudrey, Blockhouse; Elizabeth Skinner, Chester and Angela (Sherman) Lake; Lunenburg; grandchildren, Aaron, Katie, Peter, Jamie and Emerald Rose; great grandchildren, Cole, Leah, Claire, Rowan and Kaelyn; brothers, Chesley (Doreen) Bridgewater; Winston, Newcombville and many nieces and nephews.
Albert was predeceased by his wife Josephine in 2018, daughter, Rosemary Mader in 2015; brothers, Arthur, Stanley, Eli, and Raymond and sisters, Elsie and Beatrice.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. Memorial Service to celebrate Albert’s life will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Vivian Moores, officiating. Masks will be required. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lunenburg County Home Support or to Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care or to any other charity.
The family would like to thank Albert's caregivers at home care especially, Dianne Fraser and doctors and staff at Back Harbour Square at Harbour View Haven for their wonderful care of their dad.
Born in Little Bay West, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland, Albert was the son of the late John and Rosanna (Garland) Skinner.
Albert left Little Bay West at age 14 to seek work in St. John’s, finding his first job in the kitchen of the then US Air Force Base, and later on sea going vessels. Several years later he joined other members of his family in a move to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where he took to the high seas, travelling on oil tankers with Imperial Oil and on board the research vessel, the “Vema”.
Then in his mid-twenties, married to Josephine with a young family of their own, he left the sea to begin his career as a welder with ABCO, Lunenburg, for 25 years. Then turning to his innate building skills, formed a partnership PA's Carpentry Plus, and eventually finished his working career as groundskeeper at the Bluenose Golf Club for 12 years, retiring at 65.
Albert was a long time member of the Lunenburg Curling Club, enjoying the sport and the social life up into his 80s, a regular among the Senior men at the morning matches. In the summer he could be found on the golf course with his buddies, playing a round or two, sharing a meal at the club house and making the most of his Lifetime Membership awarded to him upon retirement. In his spare time, you could find Albert in his workshop focused on the latest building project, or outside with Josephine in the garden.
Albert loved to walk and had his regular routes around Lunenburg, often going for a visit with family. The walk shortened in his final years, where he could be spotted daily in his downtown route, always ready with a smile and a wave, a quick hello or stopping for a bit of a chat.
Most of all, Albert was committed to family, a well-loved, brother, husband, father, uncle and great grampy. His gentle, loving nature and his shining Newfoundland spirit will be sorely missed.
Albert is survived by his daughters, Juliette (George) Joudrey, Blockhouse; Elizabeth Skinner, Chester and Angela (Sherman) Lake; Lunenburg; grandchildren, Aaron, Katie, Peter, Jamie and Emerald Rose; great grandchildren, Cole, Leah, Claire, Rowan and Kaelyn; brothers, Chesley (Doreen) Bridgewater; Winston, Newcombville and many nieces and nephews.
Albert was predeceased by his wife Josephine in 2018, daughter, Rosemary Mader in 2015; brothers, Arthur, Stanley, Eli, and Raymond and sisters, Elsie and Beatrice.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. Memorial Service to celebrate Albert’s life will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Vivian Moores, officiating. Masks will be required. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lunenburg County Home Support or to Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care or to any other charity.
The family would like to thank Albert's caregivers at home care especially, Dianne Fraser and doctors and staff at Back Harbour Square at Harbour View Haven for their wonderful care of their dad.