Skinner, John "Ches"

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Date of Service: June 28, 2023

JOHN CHESLEY "CHES" SKINNER, beloved husband of Elizabeth "Betty" Skinner and father of Daniel, Christopher and Nancie "Baz", passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the age of 78 years.

It is with profound sadness we share that our dad, JOHN CHESLEY "CHES" SKINNER, experienced his final Father's Day, on Sunday, June 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 78 years.

Ches was a proud Newfoundlander, born in Richard's Harbour to Ephriam & Winnifred on November 3, 1944, he was the youngest sibling of Edna, Effie, Becky & Ephriam. Having been orphaned at an early age, he was adopted and raised by his uncle and aunt, George and Mary. After studying for his undergraduate degrees at Memorial University, he completed an M.A. at Illinois State University and a PhD at Michigan State University. He moved to Lethbridge to join the drama faculty at the University of Lethbridge in 1976, working beside his dear colleague and mentor, David Spinks.

His family was his greatest priority, including his wife, Betty; their three children: Daniel (Zachary), Christopher (Hannah) and Nancie "Baz" (Sheri); and his extended family from Newfoundland as well as his chosen family throughout the world, particularly in Malaysia and Nepal. He was a surrogate grandfather to many and will be guiding his first grandchild with profound love when he is born later this summer.

Ches spent his entire career working in theatre, teaching theatre history and directing plays in the U.S., Canada and abroad. In his final ten years at the University of Lethbridge he served as Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. Retirement brought new opportunities overseas in Malaysia, where he spent 11 happy years teaching at UiTM and ASWARA.

He was well known for his cooking skills, his sense of humour, his love of reading, music and coffee shops and especially for his kindness to students and others needing support. Ches was a brother to the Blackfoot people and was honoured with the name Ikkina'pipiita, meaning gentle eagle, a reflection of his character.

Ches' legacy will be honoured through his many friendships but especially through his family who will love him, and be loved by him, "till the numbers end".

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Ches's life at CASA, 230 - 8 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, in the Community Room, on Saturday, July 15 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ches, donations may be made to the Interfaith Foodbank, 1103 - 3 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 0H7.

Dear Betty and family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a great man. We recommended books to read to one another. And Betty we will see you on the trails. Chris it was great to connect in Montreal at this time last summer. "Unable are the loved to die, for love is Immortality." --Emily Dickinson Sending warm hugs, Karen Toohey and Mark Goettel

Karen Toohey & Mark Goettel, July 15, 2023

Will miss you, Ches. You were always kind, giving, full of joy, and a lasting influence on so many fortunate to have known you.

Vincent Brophy, July 15, 2023

Deepest condolences to the Skinner family at this time of great loss. My husband and I lived in Lethbridge for over 25 years and now live in Nova Scotia. During my years away, I heard of Ches Skinner and his dedicated passion to support and encourage students to follow their passion in the Arts. I know Ches transformed countless lives with his presence ~My condolences to Betty ( a dear friend and nursing colleague ) and the Skinner family ~ My thoughts are with you.Together Gregg and I send our condolences ~

Sandra ( Sam ) Dill, July 7, 2023

Ikina'piitaa Mr Ches with the spandex grin for everyone... Lo0ve Husk

Jim Russell, July 3, 2023

I was a colleague and friend of Ches all through his many years in Malaysia. We were theatre mates. He and I both had the joy of teaching and directing young talent, aiming them toward careers in the performing arts. "Prof" Ches was loved. He was not only a mentor but a friend to so many. Relationships that began in the studio extended years, decades, into the future. I am glad to have known this caring, compassionate, funny man. I miss him already.

Rey Buono, June 30, 2023

Ches will be sadly missed--indeed, I have missed him since he retired from U of L. We had great conversations about drama, though he always teased me that, as an English prof, I considered the text sacrosanct--which was both true and untrue. Baz, I didn't know Ches was your dad--no wonder you understood drama so well! Though I wish to extend my condolences to your whole family and Ches' friends, please know that you are especially in my heart at this sad time.

Maureen Hawkins, June 27, 2023

Sincere heartfelt condolences to you Betty, Daniel, Christopher and Nancy on the passing of a very special man. Although we haven't seen Ches in a long time, our last visit with him was quite memorable as he spent two days and nights with us and we shared lots of stories as he loved to chat. We still remember the late night party at our home in Tilting many years ago after a dance in the parish club. Ches and Betty sure enjoyed that get together. Those are memories we will cherish and I'm sure you all have many that you will hold in your hearts forever. Take care and God Bless. Bridget and Jerome

Bridget & Jerome Bowen- Gander- NL, June 26, 2023

I was very saddened by the news of Ches' passing. As a great director, and scholar, he was to me a better friend, and a second father. I used his teachings and mentorship as defining my own career and relationship successes. Thank you Ches for all you did for me.

Mick Pariseau, June 25, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to all family and friends of Ches. He made my journey as a student at the University of Lethbridge a much brighter one, by his charisma, care, and kindness.

Craig Wademan, June 24, 2023

RIP Chess.

Gordon Foley, June 23, 2023

I'm saddened to have missed one last lunch with Ches. My condolences to Betty and family at this difficult time. I always enjoyed and appreciated my friendship with Ches. He had such a great smile and always found a way to lighten any situation. His gentle and ever so caring spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Brenda Rennie, June 23, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are with you Betty, and your family.

Myrna Longair, June 22, 2023

Condolences to "the family of "Ches" a fantastic teacher...I took classes with Ches in 1976, yes indeed a longtime ago. But we stayed in touch and often used to see each other at the Saturday Farmers Market before Covid. I know Condolences is the correct word, but such a "non descriptive word!" I fully know this as my own husband died in January. So to the family of Ches just remember , how lucky you were just to have him in your life, what laughter and joy he gave you and so many other people. I thank you for sharing him. Barbara Warren

Barbara Warren, June 21, 2023

Our paths crossed in Kuala Lampur where you tried your best to get me to eat tofu that tasted like beef, you said. I demurred. I never did find a good steak. Rest in peace my friend.

Alfred Young Man, June 21, 2023

Sending my deepest condolences to Betty, Daniel, Chris, Baz, and all of Ches' loved ones, friends, students, and colleagues. Cherish your memories of him now and always.

Benessa Salcedo Kerklaan, June 20, 2023

Skinner, John "Ches"

Date of Service: June 28, 2023

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