With broken hearts and deep sorrow, the family of John Donat Skillen announce his peaceful passing at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born in Dryden where he resided his entire life working, volunteering but most importantly raising his family and building everlasting friendships.
John worked as a pipefitter at the Dryden Pulp and Paper Mill retiring in 1997.
He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. In 1955, at the age of 18, he became a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He met the love of his life, Erna Skillen (Kropf) on a double date in 1961 and the rest was history, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends on June 1, 2023.
To say that John was a sports enthusiast is an understatement. As an athlete he played fastball, hockey (goalie), golf, darts, curling and bowling. He even once bowled a perfect game, pitched a no hitter and skipped an eight ender. John spent many years coaching minor hockey and fastball and was known for his dramatic umping calls. Not all of his spare time was spent in an arena or at the ball diamonds, you could find John spinning the vinyl at a social event, tearing up the dance floor, singing to John Denver, playing shuffleboard, snowmachining or out on the lake fishing. On June 26, 2023 he still managed to out fish both his children.
A loyal fan of the Blue Jays, the Leafs and the Dryden Ice Dogs, however, his favourite teams were the blue and gold Dryden Eagles where he cheered on his children and later on his grandchildren. He never missed a home game and would wait impatiently for the phone calls after away games; often calling numerous times to find out the final score.
John joined the volunteer fire department in 1977. During his 25+ years as a volunteer fireman he received the Fire Services Long Service Medal. He curled at the Fireman’s National six times representing Northern Ontario and was a life member of the Northern Ontario Firefighter Curling Association. However, John will always be remembered by the children as Sparky and for his famous burgers and chili at numerous firehall events.
John’s life was not complete without his friends, Keito, Pope, Ollie, Newsy, Bearskin, Wormy, Beaver and the A&W and fishing crews to name a few. He was the type of man who was always willing to help a friend, and if he was unable to, he loved volunteering others for the job.
Johnny, Dad, Papa, Skilly, Jackie, Bem or Duke it didn’t matter what you called him or even if you had just met him, to know him was to love him. John cherished family the most. He enjoyed large family gatherings with his siblings and family vacations/reunions out west with Erna’s family. The true special moments were Sunday suppers shared with his children and grandchildren which always brought a twinkle to his eyes. The Skillen home was where family gathered to celebrate all holidays and celebrations as well as frequent drop ins just to say hi.
John was predeceased by his parents Jack and Virginie Skillen and sister Phoebe Rigey. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Erna, daughter Mary-Ann (Bruce), granddaughters Alyssa (Nelson), Haylee (Jake), son John-John (Heather), granddaughter Jessica (Jordan), grandson Nicholas, sisters Theresa, Bunny and brothers Pat and Vinnie.
John fought the good fight for the love of his family.
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lora currie says
August 3, 2023 at 3:47 pmso sorry about your loss, thinking of you
Erna says
August 16, 2023 at 3:58 pmIt was so nice of you to think of us. Thank you for your message of condolence.
Sue says
August 3, 2023 at 5:56 pmMy sincerest condolences to all the family
Sue Vaccher
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:00 pmThank you Sue for your message of condolence.
Tom Fortier says
August 3, 2023 at 10:14 pmThinking of you at this time and remembering all the fun we had hanging out in your basement. John and Erna were like my second set of parents growing up. Prayers are with you Erna, Mary-ann, and Spooner.
Tom and Pam Fortier
JJ says
August 10, 2023 at 9:06 pmThanks Tom. Yes mom has found memories of us houligans hanging around in the basement. You reaching out is much appreciated. Take care, JJ
Freda Cheslock says
August 3, 2023 at 10:48 pmSo sorry for your loss Erna & family. I didn’t know John but my husband had great stories of him from curling spiels! Lots of fun!
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:05 pmThank you Freda for your message of condolence. I can only imagine the curling stories that were told.
Kent & Donna (Piche) Stevens says
August 4, 2023 at 3:14 amSo sorry to hear about John’s passing. A good man. We were recently at the Firefighters Nationals in PEI and so many people from across the country asked us about him. He will be remembered by many. Condolences to his family from our family to yours.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:09 pmThank you for your message of condolence. We were fortunate enough to visit PEI last summer and John was able to meet up with many of his PEI firefighter friends.
Brian Bates says
August 4, 2023 at 9:41 amErna, Mary Anne and John-John :
Sincerest condolences. Had some great times and memories with “Skilly” and the New Dryden Lumberkings. Won a few games but millions of laughs. John (Skilly) had his own language, Will Saskoley and I spoke it all the way back from Red Lake one hungover Sunday. I’ll try to remember some of it. John and Ron Cain in the front of the car , Sa and I in the back. It went like this “I don’t know me, you?” You’re sad, you, meat sauce” Repeated 1000 times. It had Sa and I repeating it and laughing all the way home. He left me with many memories but I will always think of him when I hear I don’t know me, you? All the achievements in the obituary led to a full life well lived. RI P John
Brian and Jo Anne Bates
Jayne (Ford) Cameron says
August 4, 2023 at 10:21 pmSo sorry for your loss Erna, Mary-Ann and John John.
I have some fond memories of him cheering on John John on the sidelines and supporting many of the Dryden High school Eagle activities.
He was a great man and was always making us laugh.
May your memories of him warm your heart and keep his spirit alive.
Erna, Mary-Ann, John-John says
August 16, 2023 at 4:13 pmThank you for your kind words of condolence. He was a true fan and he loved to watch and cheer on the Eagles
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 8:52 pmThank you Brian and Jo Anne for your kind words of condolence. Your story brought back many memories and gave us a much needed laugh. Once again thank-you for reaching out.
Take care Erna, Mary-Ann, John-John and family
Kelly says
August 4, 2023 at 1:08 pmSo sorry to hear of Johns passing. Condolences from Kim and Kelly to the family.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:15 pmThank you for your kind words of condolence.
Susan Flint {Bryck} says
August 4, 2023 at 5:02 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Can not attend service but there in Spirit and Prayers
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:31 pmThank you for your condolences
Gwen Debney says
August 4, 2023 at 6:09 pmSo sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:32 pmThank you for your kind words of condolence
Raili Whitney says
August 5, 2023 at 1:44 amSo sorry for your loss. Happy memories are a treasure. Sincere condolences from Raili and family.
Mary-Ann, John-John and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:35 pmThank you Auntie Raili and family for your kind words of condolence
Marjorie/Jim Henderson says
August 5, 2023 at 1:50 amSuch sad news. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Skilly. We cherish the many memories of John through the CFFCA. 🥌 The laughs we all shared and many drinks we all had. Heaven has gained another special person. Rest in peace dear friend
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:40 pmThank you for your kind words of condolence. John also shared many fond memories of the fellowship through the CFFCA.
Brian Whitney says
August 5, 2023 at 12:46 pmSo sorry for your loss Mary-Ann ,Bruce ,Alyssa ,Haley and family .Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Sincere condolences from Brian and Lori Whitney and family
Mary-Ann, Bruce and family says
August 16, 2023 at 4:43 pmThank you for your kind words of condolence.
BARBARA LINDQUIST says
August 6, 2023 at 3:05 pmOur deepest sympathy to Erna, Mary-Ann, Bruce, John John, Heather and families.
Barb and Rick Lindquist
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 7:49 pmThank you for your condolences.
Erna, Mary-Ann, Bruce, Heather, John-John and families
Bill MacPhee says
August 6, 2023 at 11:47 pmErna,
Sorry to hear about Skilly, we were fortunate to have a great visit last summer on PEI.
Bill and Norma MacPhee
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 7:56 pmBill and Norma,
Thank you for your condolences. It was great seeing you all last summer in PEI, John really enjoyed it.
Erna, Mary-Ann, John-John and family
Sharron Sweany says
August 7, 2023 at 9:16 pmErna, Maryanne John John and families, very sorry to read of John’ passing .He is no longer in pain .Losing your loved one is always very sad however time is a great healer. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to follow. God is a great healer and I know that he will give you the strength as you start you journey alone now. The greatest things you have are the wonderful memories.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 8:07 pmThank you Sharron for your kind words and condolences.
Erna, Mary-Ann, John-John and family
Fred Ralko says
August 8, 2023 at 10:12 pmI will miss seeing and talking to Skilly at the Northwestern Ontario Fire Fighters golf tourneys. He was one of the good ol’ guys..
Condolences to his family and friends.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 8:17 pmThank you for your condolences. He always enjoyed seeing and gathering with everyone at the Fire Fighters golf tourneys.
Erna and family
Karen Mazurski says
August 9, 2023 at 3:45 amThinking of all the family at this sad time. So many memories to share with each other.
Erna and family says
August 16, 2023 at 8:19 pmThank you for your condolences.
Erna, Mary-Ann, John-John and family
If friends so desire donations may be made to the Dryden Go-Getters, 84 St. Charles St., Dryden, ON P8N 1L3, for the completion of the lower-level games room, Dryden Food Bank, 62 Queen St., Dryden, ON P8N 1A4, and/or DHS Athletics, 79 Casimir Ave., Dryden, ON P8N 2H4.
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