Frederick Ernest Skinner

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Fred Skinner announce his peaceful passing in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 86. Fred was the son of Abraham and Esther Ann Skinner (Durnford), born in Locks Cove, N.F.L.D. Growing up in outport Newfoundland during the 1940’s was difficult. But, Fred had brothers, and sisters growing up around him with whom all adored one another; Brothers Samuel (wife Sharon), Roy (wife Florence), Melvin (wife Mary), George (wife Jessie), and a half brother, Henry Durnford (wife Emily). Sisters Myrtle (husband Jack), Eva (husband Bill), and twin sisters Theresa, (husband Clarence), and Maggie (husband Gerald). Well, Fred left home at the tender age of 15 to go work on various fishing vessels. Sailing out of Newfoundland, he began his working career. But in December of 1958, Fred gave up commercial fishing and went to Foundation Maritimes to work on tugboats. Operating out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Fred sailed great distances out at sea. In 1959 Fred met Pauline Mary Mullins from Rencontre East, Newfoundland. They were wed on September 17th, 1960, in brother Melvin and Mary’s home in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Fred and Pauline Skinner together had 5 children; Darlene Skinner, Patricia Skinner (predeceased at 9 months), Sara Flindal (husband Mike), Darren Skinner (wife Michelle), and David (wife Colleen). In 1970 Fred went to work for the Halifax Shipyards, first as a civil servant starting as a seaman, then retiring as a Bosun in 1997. And so, Fred’s working voyages on the water took him far from home for months at a time during his career on the sea-as far as a U.S. naval station in the Caribbean waters of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the cold Northern currents in around Newfoundland, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence up into Quebec. He loved the sea! But, when he was home on land, Fred loved to be around his Newfoundland friends and family with Pauline. Every weekend was a visit to the local Fairview Legion, (where he was an associate member), for plenty of drink and a whole lot of dancing, with oh so many close friends-Wince and Verna Billard, Alex and Shirley Durnford, Gord and Sara Durnford, Jerry and Shelia Billard, Pat and Essie and so, so many beloved friends and family. The good times at the Legion (and also Newfie club), usually came with an extended party invitation to Fred and Pauline’s home afterwards, with newfie music ablastin’, and heavy dancin into the wee hours of the morning. It was an electric scene! Fred too loved to hunt deer, rabbit and fish in his spare time. He especially loved spending time with his brother Sam and their family in Cape Breton. Cooking was Fred’s special gift to all whom came into his home. Pauline would be often heard calling Fred her “chief, cook and bottle washer”! When Fred joined the Legion dart team, he became a champion dart player. Travelling around Halifax and beyond, Fred and his team became top competitors. Fred himself winning so many trophies, he started giving them away as birthday presents! Once he reached the top, Fred moved out to let others have a chance, as Fred took to cooking for Turkey shoots and dance hall meals at the same Fairview Branch Legion. Fred loved life and had an easy goin spirt….He made lifelong friends wherever he went, it’s true. Eventually, Fred (Poppy)retired from his working career, as well (nan)Pauline. Poppy and Nan had grand children come along: (Andrew, Holley and David from Darlene. Eric and Samantha from Darren. Kaitlyn and Ryan from David. As the years came, Poppy (and Nan) showered all their Grandkids and Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews, with the preciousness of love they had…and it was a lot! They especially adored and showered their Grandkids with everything they had! Every special occasion, they were there. - every Birthday, or ceremony you can be certain, Poppy was there, hand in hand with Nan. Fred and Pauline eventually moved into a nursing home. Moody Hall in West Bedford, Nova Scotia, where Pauline continues to reside. It is a deep sadness that our Brother/Uncle/Dad/ Poppy/ Fred is no longer with us. We all will miss him. But we are also comforted knowing that Fred has joined his Godly Father in Heaven, along with so many family and friends that have gone befor him. His soul, resting in peace, maybe now, looking back on this man’s truly wonderful life. So, if you knew Fred, begin to rest easy, and have calmness of mind knowing Fred is in a better place now. Special thank you, to Moody Hall Staff for their superior comforting skills and the excellent care provided to him and his family during this difficult time. A small, private ceremony will take place at a later date.

Frederick Ernest Skinner

July 30, 1939 - June 29, 2026