Parcourez la nécrologie de Paul Gerard Skipworth Wednesday August 28th 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles.
SKIPWORTH, Paul “Skip”- On a cold day in January of 1932, during the Great Depression, Paul Skipworth made his world debut.
Those who witnessed the performance didn’t leave any notes, but it wouldn’t take long before the young lad sang his first song, told a funny story, or helped someone in need. As a young boy, Paul enjoyed many adventures in Lindsay and around the Scugog River with friends he kept for life.
This week the show closed for Skip after 92 fantastic years, most of them in Lindsay but with stops all over Canada and beyond.
His parents and cousins called him Paul and he was also known as Skip, and within the family, Dad, Uncle Skip, Grandpa Skip and Great Grandpa Skip.
At age eight he made his first performance in front of an audience. Clad, in an air force uniform, created by his mother, Paul stood on the stage of the Academy Theatre and recited a poem – a poem he could still recall 80 years later.
Skip was proud of his father’s military service in both World Wars. In high school Skip was awarded a ceremonial dagger as the top cadet and the framed dagger was proudly displayed. Skip never missed the service at the Lindsay cenotaph and for over two decades led the singing of hymns on November 11th.
In the early 1950’s a new family arrived in Lindsay, Leo and Marie Legault opened the Monalee Lunch. Their four smart and beautiful French-Canadian daughters attracted a lot of attention. Skip fell in love with Leone Legault and the two were married and raised five children in a home two blocks from where Skip grew up.
Together, Paul and Leone were doers and leaders. They both were passionately committed to Lindsay and Canada. They played a significant role in the community through numerous civic activities. Skip was a master fundraiser, ticket seller and could always be counted on for a visit, a story, a laugh, and a song.
The Lindsay Kinsman Band benefited greatly from Skips contributions to the success of the band as chaperone on trips, member of the executive and later as Drum Major.
Skip was awarded a Fellowship in Applied Education by Fleming College” in recognition of leadership and dedication to education and for outstanding contribution to community.”
Family played a significant role in his life. Growing up, some of his best friends were his cousins, especially the O’Neill’s. His sister Helen Humphries and her husband Walter lived next door for over 40 years and were a big part of the two families’ daily lives.
Skip was a strong supporter of the business community through his many years with National Grocers where he provided excellent service to the food and hospitality sector.
In his first shot at retirement, Fred DeNure suggested Skip join DeNure tours as a guide. This was an opportunity tailor made for Skip. A gifted storyteller, he made new friends all over the country, whether they were guests on a trip, a hotel doorman in Halifax, a man selling souvenirs on the side of the road in Newfoundland, or jazz musicians on a street corner in New Orleans.
Music was his great joy. He sang in many choirs at St. Mary’s church for over 55 years. He would sing anywhere, in countless musicals and on stages across North America. He had an amazing memory, able to recite the lyrics for what seems like hundreds of songs. One of his favourite shows was performing the lead role in the musical “The Music Man” at his beloved Academy Theatre with its superb acoustics. This was an iconic role as he truly was the music man.
Counting their blessings are his children; Mike, Andy (Linda), Guy (Kaz), Carrie and Lisa, grandsons; Andrew (Malerey), Mathew (Paige), Charlie, Ian, and five great-grandchildren; Ashton, Ila, Boey, Kahlen, and Jayce. Dear brother-in-law to Jeannine Butler (the late John), and Treva (Andre Cousineau), predeceased by sister Helen Humphries (Walter), and by sister-in-law, Mona (survived by Dave Lucas). He will be remembered by many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The first lines from that poem in 1940:
“What can I do for my country,
I so young and small
I cannot fight for freedom
Have I no gift at all.”
Skip asked that question his entire life and in so many ways, and for so many people, he found the answer through laughter, music and helping those most in need of a friend.
Visitation will take place at Stoddart Funeral Home, 24 Mill Street, Lindsay on Wednesday, September 4th from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 31 Russel Street East, on Thursday, September 5th at 1:00pm. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. If desired, a memorial donation may be made to Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation or the St. Mary’s Church would be appreciated by the family.
Wednesday August 28th 2024
Décès pour la Ville:Lindsay, Province: Ontario
avis deces Paul Gerard Skipworth Wednesday August 28th 2024
nécrologie Paul Gerard Skipworth Wednesday August 28th 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Paul Gerard Skipworth Wednesday August 28th 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.