SKINNER, John Chesley “Ches”

SKINNER 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.
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com