Obituary of Francis Owen Skinner

''We are saddened to announce the passing of Francis ‘’Owen’’ Skinner, peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the age of 75. Surrounded by many family and friends in his final moments, he cherished every minute spent with his loved ones. Owen grew up in Janvrin’s Island on his grandfather’s farm. He spent part of his childhood in Pictou after the death of his father, and his family returned to settle in West Arichat a few years later. He worked various jobs in the fishing industry, and was a fisherman by trade. He was a skilled handyman, and could fix almost anything. He enjoyed being outdoors, and could always be found tinkering with something, cutting wood, gardening, trout and mackerel fishing in summer, and ice fishing in winter. He loved visiting and spending time with family and friends, and loved playing cards, going to card plays, and his morning coffee, and was always laughing and had a great sense of humour. His weekly Sunday drives were spent visiting close friends and relatives near and far. He was generous with all he had, and was fond of saying that although he didn’t have much, if you needed it, it was yours. He was a proud blood donor, and donated blood over 100 times throughout his life. He was always the first one you called if you needed a ride, a dozen smelts or a pair of rabbits, and he was always the first to want to hold a baby. He will be remembered for his big laugh and bigger hugs. He was a truly kind and generous soul, and will be forever missed and always in our hearts. Owen is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Vina of Samson’s Cove, his Daughter Shelley (Ryan Ferdais), and grandchildren Isabelle and Jacob of Arichat. He is also survived by Sisters Linda Covin of Arichat, Francine (Harold Mury) of West Arichat, Ann (Paul Clarke) of Sydney; brother-in-law Venard Martell; sisters-in-law Diane Martell, Shirley (Leo) Landry, Lola Marchand, Alena Clements (Tom Bell), Sylvia (Rodney) Fougere, and many beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, his many Godchildren, and close cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Francis Gordon and Doris Eleanor (George) Skinner; step father Francis Covin; mother and father-in-law Blanche and Narcisse Martell; siblings, June Skinner, Vivian Skinner, Erma Boudreau, and baby brother Gary Skinner; brothers-in-law Danny Marchand, Nazaire Martell, Henry Boudreau; sister-in-law Donna Martell. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Petit de Grat on Friday, May 2nd at 11 am, with a reception at the Little Anse Sampson’s Cove Social Action Center to follow. His family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr Hebb and Dr Deroche, and the many other doctors and nurses at the Strait Richmond and Cape Breton Regional hospitals. Your outstanding support, care and compassion navigating the final stages of his health care journey was beyond measure. Also special thanks extended to his niece Tori Ann for the extra time and support during his illness and time in hospital. Donations in Owen’s memory can be made to the Strait Richmond Health Care Foundation or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Words of comfort and memories of Owen can be sent to the family at www.chboudreau.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd., in Arichat.