Hugh Dwayne Skinner

Peacefully on Saturday, July 9th, with his dearest love, “Irene”, by his side at their home in Ottawa. Skipper is survived by his friend and former wife Daphne and their son Shane (Amanda), his former brother-in-law Bill Brown, all of Brockville; his wife Theresa Irene Smith and her daughters Kerry-Anne Menard (Derek) and Cheryl-Anne Sampson (Kurt) of Halifax; grandchildren Olivia “Pumpkin” and Lauren Skinner, Desmond and William Menard, and Olivia and Oliver “Spike” Sampson; cousin Dorothy Hutton (Lorne), sister-in-law Margaret Everett (Charles) and their daughter Shannon (Terry Miller), and many close and dear friends. Predeceased by his mother, Lillian Burns Skinner, grandparents William and Lily Burns and cousin Don Burns (Louise Berlin, surviving).

Born in London, Ontario, Dwayne spent his early childhood in Kingston, moving to Ottawa when his mother joined the Ottawa Civic Hospital psychiatric nursing staff. He graduated from Fisher Park High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University followed by a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Waterloo.

Dwayne enjoyed 30 years of companionship with his wife and best friend, Theresa; travelling, attending sporting events, and walking the Trans Canada Trail at their cottage in Nova Scotia.

Dwayne was a proud and much-loved grandfather and will be sadly missed by his grandchildren.

A humble and personable man, Dwayne was a great conversationalist and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know others. Dwayne had a thirst for knowledge and took every opportunity to learn. Often found with his pen and clipboard, Dwayne would take notes on any topic and wanted to know “what did you learn today?”. Inspired by his mentor and longtime friend Jim Gardiner, Dwayne was a dedicated educator and coach for over 30 years at Ridgemont High School. A sports enthusiast, he loved coaching, playing, and cheering on his favorite hockey team. Dwayne was an avid train hobbyist from his early childhood and he enjoyed many trips with Theresa by rail and railway modelling with longtime friend Bill Noel.

The family extends gratitude to Dwayne’s medical team of the Ottawa South Palliative Group. Sincere thanks to Dr. Ronnie Daoud for his compassion and care during Dwayne’s final days.

Dwayne was a community supporter and contributed to numerous local charities. If desired, memorial donations made to The May Court Hospice would be appreciated.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends.