DAVID HARRISON SKINNER

David Harrison Skinner went peacefully to his eternal home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
David is survived by his mother, Geraldine M. Skinner of Fort Frances, Ont.; his brother, Steven (Allison) and niece, MacKenzie, of Brantford, Ont.; and his aunt, Shelagh MacDowell of Winnipeg, Man.
Also surviving are his cousins, Ken Skinner (Susan) and sons, Matt and Jordan, of Winnipeg, Man., Jim Skinner (partner, Lorrie), Lynne Pearen (David) and sons, Chris, Dale, and Blair, and Kevin Skinner (Robyn), all of Ottawa, Ont., and Carol Gillies (Greg) of Atlanta, Ga.
David was predeceased by his father, Harry Skinner in 2007, and his brother, Robert Skinner in 2009.
David was received into the Roman Catholic Church on March 27, 2012 through the good offices of Fr. Mark Filips, which was a happy culmination to David’s spiritual quest.
David was born Dec. 13, 1951 in Winnipeg but grew up in Fort Frances, Ont., where his father practised medicine. David attended school in Fort Frances and was awarded the rank of Ontario scholar.
David was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances.
Following high school, David attended the University of Manitoba, where he attained an honours degree in French and history. He studied at Sussex, where he received a master’s degree in history.
Returning to Winnipeg, David became a teacher, where his first teaching assignment was at Alexander Ross School in St. James-Assiniboia.
Peter Friesen hired David in 1982 to teach the International Baccalaureate program in French, where David remained on staff at Miles Macdonell Collegiate for 22 years. David also served as an executive member of River East Teachers’ Association for many years including as both president and past president.
As well, David taught a number of courses to other teachers. He also served on a number of provincial, divisional, professional, and curriculum committees.
David enjoyed all of these extra-circular activities where he met many interesting individuals.
The true highlight of David’s career, however, was the classroom where, for 32 years, he enjoyed the company of numerous fine students. David received the service to the profession award at the end of his career. David also had the opportunity to study in France on an exchange program.
David hoped his classroom, Room 40, north hall, Miles Macdonell Collegiate, was as happy a place for his many students as it was for him!
Retirement brought David the opportunity to volunteer for seven extraordinary years for FortWhyte Alive. David had a deep love of the performing arts, regularly attending performances of Manitoba Opera, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
The music of Bach, Handel, and Mozart filled David’s apartment on a regular basis.
Cremation has taken place. Interment of the cremated remains will take place at a later date in the family plot in Fort Frances.
Funeral service will be held Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 250 Burrin Ave., Winnipeg, with Fr. Mark Filips officiating.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to Ecojustice, FortWhyte Alive, or Siloam Mission.