SKINNER Skinner- Alvin Gregory Skinner was born in Port Arthur on January 4, 1927 and passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. He was formerly a long time resident of Bentwood Drive, Thunder Bay. He attended Central School and Port Arthur Technical Institute. He enlisted in the navy for World War 11 and was stationed in Halifax. Following the war, Al became employed with C.D. Howe and married the love of his life, Cecilia Hawkins on October 1, 1947. While working and raising his family, Al earned a diploma in Engineering through correspondence. Al continued his career with Abitibi Pulp and Paper Mill which became his life-long commitment for over forty years, retiring as Mechanical Superintendent. Following retirement he was hired by the Chinese Government as the project co-ordinator to assemble a paper machine in China. This provided him with a great sense of accomplishment as well as many close friends in China whom he kept in contact with for many years. Alvin's love for Celie was centermost in his life. He always thought of family first, putting their needs above his own. Together they raised four children, Kathy (Heinz), Greg (Janet), Chris (Norma) and Tim (Rod). They enjoyed their grandchildren, Stephen (Lynn), Robin (Trevor), Matthew (Shannon), Lindsey (Markku), Alissa (Tyler), Mindy (Jake) and Kevin. He recently welcomed three great grandchildren, Aliyah, June and Mikko. All those who knew Papa Al will lovingly remember him for his great wisdom, kindness and sense of humour. Al and Celie had a great passion for their family camp at Hawkeye Lake and all it had to offer. Skiing was their life during the winter months and was spent at Mount Baldy, with Al being very involved in the development of the Mount Baldy Ski area. Alvin was a committed member of St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church and actively contributed to the church improvements. He was a member and remained committed to the Thunder Bay Naval Association and encouraged this involvement in his children. Al's mechanical mindset provided him with the ability to fix the un-repairable to his family's delight. Over the years Alvin and Celie enjoyed many experiences of world-wide travel. Predeceased by his parents, Everett Dyas (Dyas) and Sekre (Susie) Skinner, his brother Les and his wife Cecilia, sisters-in-law Fran, Bubs (Mary) and brothers-in-law Walter Maurice (Mossie), Arthur and John Leo (Paddy), nephew Rory and other relatives. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012 when family and friends will gather at St. Andrew's R.C. Church for Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Interment rites will be held in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, evening, August 2, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street. If friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church. On-line condolences may be made at: www.sargent and son.com.

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