Donald William Skinner

Passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at 2:45 a.m. on June 4, 2026, at the age of 70.

Beloved husband of the late Sharon Elizabeth Skinner (nee Podd), with whom he shared nearly five decades of love, partnership, and devotion. Loving father of Michael Andrew Skinner (Catia Aleksandra da Silva Skinner) and Tammy Elizabeth Monahan (née Skinner) (Jory Justin Monahan). Cherished proud Papa of Larissa Skinner, William Skinner, and Miguel Skinner. Don was predeceased by his parents and will be deeply missed by his older brothers, Norman Skinner and Raymond Skinner, as well as extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today we celebrate the life of a man whose actions spoke louder than words. Don was the kind of person who could never walk past a problem without trying to solve it. Whether it was a project around the house or a challenge facing a friend or family member, his instinct was always the same: roll up his sleeves and get to work. To those who knew him, it often seemed there was nothing he could not fix, modify, build, improve, or figure out.

After the passing of his beloved Sharon, Don found comfort and companionship in his faithful dog, Will-See, who became his constant companion and best friend. Together they spent countless days side by side, providing each other with loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love. Will-See brought joy and purpose to Don’s days and remained a treasured part of his life.

Don had an independent spirit that defined the way he lived his life, always his way and on his own terms. Those who knew him respected his honesty, his determination, and his unwavering commitment to the decisions he made.

One of Don’s greatest qualities was his generosity. He gave freely of his time, knowledge, and energy, often without seeking recognition or thanks. Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers benefited from his willingness to lend a hand. If someone needed help, Don was often the first to arrive and the last to leave. He found satisfaction not in praise, but in knowing that he had made someone’s day a little easier.

He taught those around him that hard work matters, that perseverance can overcome most obstacles, and that there is value in learning how things work. Through his example, he showed that self-reliance and kindness can exist side by side. He demonstrated to his family that helping others is one of life’s greatest rewards and that the measure of a person is found not in what they accumulate, but in what they contribute.

His greatest accomplishment was the family he helped build and support. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and took great joy in watching them grow, succeed, and find their own paths in life. His love was often expressed through actions rather than words, through the countless small things he did each day to care for those around him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals, caregivers, friends, and family members who provided comfort, support, and compassion during Don’s final days. Special comfort was found in knowing that he passed peacefully in his home with his son and daughter by his side.

Family and friends are invited to join a Celebration of Life and Reception from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Highland Park Funeral Centre (2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough). Online condolences may be shared through the funeral home’s Book of Condolence. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Hospice Peterborough, in recognition of the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Sharon and the Skinner family.

Though his hands are now at rest, the things he repaired, the lives he touched, and the love he gave will remain with us forever. Don’s memory will continue to live on every time a problem is solved, a helping hand is offered, and a family gathers together in the spirit of love, generosity, and resilience that he embodied throughout his life. As Don would often remind us, “If it can be fixed, it isn’t broken yet.”