SKINNER, Frederick "Fred" Garfield

Peacefully passed away at home with his family by his side on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Fred was the beloved husband of Catherine (née Laroche) Skinner and the loving father of Damien Skinner.

He is predeceased by his parents, Garfield Skinner and Adelaide (née Banfield) Skinner.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Gary Skinner, Corinne Jacobs (Ivan) , Joy Connors (Edward) and Alfred Skinner

He will be lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Carmel Laroche, and is predeceased by his father-in-law, Reg Laroche (2002).

Fred will also be fondly remembered by Cathy’s siblings: Lynn Boyd (John), Brenda Lapierre (Mike), Jim Laroche (Liliane), Rosanne Everitt (Paul), and Angela Hollands (Mike), along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Terry Rotondo, Dr. Jinnah, Dr. Tanya Schulman, Dr. Jari Tuomi, and the many VON and care partners for their care and compassion over the years. 

Fred was a dedicated nurse of 39 years in North Bay working at both the Ontario Psych Hospital and then later the North Bay Regional Health Centre. All who encountered him could tell his passion for nursing. When he wasn’t working Fred could be found at the Dojo with his son Damien, where he trained and inspired his youth and adult students, who all knew him as “Sensei”. His students became his extended family, and he cared for them deeply and wanted them to succeed. When he wasn’t at the dojo he was playing music, namely his guitar, and enjoying his comic books. Fred loved his family and included them in everything that he did. For Fred, family was everything.    

As per Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

If desired, donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.