LEIGH SKINNER

LEIGH SKINNER March 14, 1947 ~ September 16, 2026
Stewart Leigh Skinner, born March 14, 1947, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 79 years.
Leigh was born in Morden, Manitoba, and later moved with his family to Winnipeg before settling in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, in 1958. As a young man, he was an Air Cadet and, throughout his life, enjoyed recounting stories of those adventures to his grandson and great-grandson.
Leigh began working at CKOS Television while still in high school, marking the beginning of a long and rewarding career. He first met Darlene Adam when he was just nine years old, and the two were married in 1966. Together, Leigh and Darlene raised four children in a home filled with laughter, love, and many happy memories.
Family was always at the heart of Leigh’s life. He loved camping, fishing, and taking road trips, and he generously volunteered his time with the Band Boosters. In 1988, Leigh and Darlene moved to Moose Jaw, where he became a proud and active Rotarian.
When Leigh became a grandfather in 1989, his world changed in the most wonderful way. He truly was the very best “Papa.” Over the years, summers were filled with road trips, vacations, and special adventures with his grandchildren. Trips to the zoo were always a favourite. Leigh also had a great love for Disney, taking his family to Disney World four times and creating memories they would treasure forever.
Leigh and Darlene later moved to Medicine Hat, where he retired and continued giving back to his community through his volunteer work with Ducks Unlimited.
In 2016, Leigh and Darlene embarked on the cruise of a lifetime. Their six-week journey took them from Vancouver to Alaska, down the West Coast, through the Panama Canal, and onward to New York City; an unforgettable adventure they were grateful to experience together.
Leigh possessed a wonderfully witty sense of humour, often shared through the hilarious emails he sent to family and friends. His warmth, laughter, adventurous spirit and deep love for his family will be remembered always.
Leigh will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Left to mourn is his wife, Darlene Caroline (nee Adam); children, Shannon Skinner, Belinda Naismith, Tara (Jerry) Mojelski and Stewart (Sue) Skinner; grandchildren, Justin (Monika) Mojelski, Adam (Kailin) Naismith, Jordan (Kayna) Mojelski, Arina (Ethan) Naismith, Catherine Turner, Halsey (Kyle) Naismith and Andrew (Cheyenne) Skinner; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Noah, Xavier, Brinley, Kaybri, Maddox, Sarina and Mira-Jane; sisters, Laurene (Gerry) Jemieff and Janice (Mark) Sorestad; sister-in-law, Audrey Skinner as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leigh was predeceased by his father, Stewart George Skinner (2000); mother, Willene Ruth Skinner (2017); brother, Harold Brent Skinner (2021) and son-in-law, Kevin Lee Naismith (2003).
We are most grateful for the wonderful care Leigh received while on the 11th Floor at the Foothills Medical Centre; the 4th Floor of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and lastly, St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice.
Leigh’s life will be privately honoured by his family at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel. Dignified cremation will take place.
Memorial Donations in Leigh’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”