Obituary of George Skinn

Surrounded by so much love, George Skinn of Wingham, Ontario passed away peacefully on February 2^nd, 2024. The Lord blessed the world with his presence for 81 years and all who were lucky enough to have known him are all the better for it. 

His spirit is carried on by his wife of 57 years, three children, ten grandchildren, eight siblings, and many nieces and nephews. His rosy red cheeks would beam when he spoke about his children and grandchildren. He was a very proud Dad and Papa. 

Georgie Pordgie (as many lovingly called him) was very well known for his calm and kind demeanor (outside of the hockey bench and driving with his daughter of course).  His drive was evident from a very young age. Having left school at 16 years old to work full-time sweeping floors at the Western Foundry, he was determined to move up the ladder and retired years later as the Director of Human Resources. We have heard from many that his kindness and mentorship to those who worked for and with him will never be forgotten. 

If you didn’t know George through work, church, hunting, fishing or baseball, you knew him through his love for the game of hockey. Fifty years ago, George had a vision to bring a Junior C hockey team to Wingham and in typical Georgie Pordgie fashion, he succeeded. He wasn’t only the Founder of the Wingham Ironmen, but he was their first coach. In his ten years on the bench the Ironmen won several championships. The inaugural team was recently honored at the Ironmen’s 50^th anniversary, and George was so proud to be there. We will never forget the ear-to-ear smile that was etched on his face for days afterwards.

Death is often referred to as one “losing their battle”, but after 15+ years of battling harder than any warrior in the history of mankind, George has proven that philosophy to be wrong. George has won his long-fought battle and is now free. 

He is survived by his wife, soulmate, and dance partner, Sharon (née Wilkinson), his three children Murray (wife Sandra, children Evan, Emma and Hunter), Carrie (husband Matt, children Logan, Hannah, Tom, Eve and Emma), and Margaret (husband Kelly, children Cole and Maraya); siblings Henry (Doreen), Mary (late Ray), Sarah (Barry), Eugene (Donna), Bob (Beth), Marvin (late Judy), Rilla, and Ed, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but never forgotten and always loved. George is reunited with his parents, George Sr. and Aurelia, family members and friends who we know welcomed him with open arms. What a reunion party it must have been. 

A very special thanks to the amazing PSW’s who over the last several years took such great care of George in our home. We truly would not have been able to care for him for such a long period of time without their loving care and support. We also want to thank the 2^nd floor nursing staff at Wingham & District Hospital for their loving care of George and our family during his final days. 

Visitation will be held at McBurney Funeral Home on Tuesday, from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. with prayers at 1:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wingham on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Spring interment will take place in Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wingham Ironmen Junior C Hockey Club or the Wingham & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.