Passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Robert was born in New Westminster, BC on April 14, 1943. Predeceased by his brother, Raymond, he is survived by his sisters, Gail, Kelly, Catherine and Patricia and by his brother, Graham; his wife, Sonia Alexandra; his daughter, Susan (Michael) and son, Robert (Sue); and his grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah-Grace and Heather.
Robert dedicated his working life to the pursuit of peace, environmental justice, and the rights of women, indigenous, and working people. “What we desire for ourselves, we desire for all.”
He was a member of the BC Legislature for Alberni from 1972 to 1987, leading the BC New Democratic Party from 1984 to 1987. He served as Member of Parliament for the Comox-Alberni riding from 1988 to 1993. Upon retirement, he continued to serve his community as tribunal chairman and Justice of the Peace.
Honouring Robert’s wishes, there will be no service. Condolences may be offered to family below. Donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia.
“Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.”
Robert Burns.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Oksana Kuryliw
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Douglas & Tracy Shaw Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Bob. We have memories from the fun times we had together while Alex & Tracy were teaching together at Macaulay School in the 80’s! Seems I recall a torn off toenail from rough-housing on the dock at Sproat Lake after a rather memorable cabin visit, which was followed by a hospital visit! We were delighted when you moved into the complex a few years ago and we were able to re-connect, we enjoyed our visits with you and Bob, Alex, and we admired the courage and tenacity that both he and you faced the challenges of his Parkinson. May he rest in peace, and may loving memories sustain you and the family. Bob was a great man, and he will be fondly remembered by all who met him, us included.
Our thoughts are with you, Tracy & Douglas Shaw
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jennette stark Dear Princess Sonia,
I am sorry that Bob is no longer a part of Planet Earth. He certainly will be missed. I have wonderful memories of September 1966 when I met Agnes, John, Dave Boettcher and you at Cunningham School–and then Bob and Jack were added to the mix. Jack, John and you, the pianists; Bob, Agnes and me in sync with ideas about peace and social justice for all- heady times the 60’s and 70’s.
I’m not sure when we lost touch with each other. I have certainly thought about you and Bob over the ensuing years. I would be pleased to resume an email friendship at some point if you wish.
Again, my sympathy. Bob Skelly, was a good man doing good work.
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Eve D. I was born and raised in Port Alberni in the 70s and 80s. I remember asking my father what he thought of Bob Skelly possibly becoming premier. My father – a farmer and mill worker and a man of few words, replied only that ‘Bob Skelly is a good man’.
Can we think of any higher praise than to be remembered as such?
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Sharilyn and Ham Robert was a wonderful lifelong friend. We have so many fond memories of the times we spent together from our school days to our senior years.We will always cherish those memories and will deeply miss him.
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S. Alex Skelly Last speech from Bob Skelly
This address was prepared by Bob for his ceremonial visit to the B.C. Legislature on November 3, 2021. He was unable to read it, so it is being presented here posthumously.
“I did not confine myself to domestic issues. I was opposed to uranium mining. British Columbians were influenced by the movie “China Syndrome”, and also by news from USA about the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania.
I worked with the Skagit Valley committee to oppose the danger of using nuclear power in Canada. I attended a hearing of the siting committee in Seattle and the effects of the Trojan nuclear plant in Portland on the Columbia River. I met with Canadians who had been jailed for trespassing on the base of the Trident Nuclear Submarine in Bremerton, Washington…which had been labelled a first strike weapon in violation of international law.
When Canadian Pacific sought permission from the Canadian Transport Board to shut down passenger service on the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, I campaigned to have the railway ordered to continue operation as promised by the Dominion government of 1871.
I opposed the so called run of the river dam at Site C on the Peace River. I spoke to a public meeting of concerned citizens in the area who were fearful of the impact of the proposed dam on the agriculture of the region. My message was clear. If you want to protect your resources, in a democracy you must do so at the ballot box.
My personal priority was the McGregor Diversion. I opposed the diversion of the Fraser watershed into the Arctic Sea because of the negative impact it would have on the the global environment. Diverting 15% of the watershed’s flow would slow the Fraser system down, increase the deltaic deposit upstream of the current delta deposit, and move the spawning areas of the Fraser canyon into the USA.
When Tommy Douglas asked me to seek election as a member of the British Columbia Legislature, I had just responded to a job offer as Assistant Superintendent of an Indian Agency, which I refused. I had received a copy of Pierre Trudeaus “white paper” that essentially called for the elimination of indigenous cultures, and would strip them of all the protections they might have in negotiations.
In my first contribution to the caucus chairmans question “What promises did you make to your constituents that you must keep as soon as possible?” my answer was “to recognize aboriginal rights in British Columbia”. His response? “ Ambitious.” That was the topic of my maiden speech in the legislature.
I obtained a copy of a report by the Federal Forestry Research station in Victoria. It proposed the construction of a number of 50 megawatt wood fired electric generators an economic and environmentally safe distance from population centres. This type of plant was promoted by Senator Bernie Sanders of Burlington, Vermont. It was approved by the Sierra Club and other citizens organizations, and obviated the need to import nuclear power from New York State.
These are some of my areas of concern. Throughout my life, my guiding philosophy has been “ The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion”. (Thomas Paine)
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Robert Gunn I had the great privilege of working for Robert when he became an MP. Despite the grind of the Ottawa red eye flights and the demands of the house, he never failed to help a constituent in need.
He was the aboriginal affairs critic and did much good work in attempts to hold the Brian Mulroney government accountable in many areas. In particular I believe he did some great work researching and bringing to the fore the shocking forced relocation of Inuit to non traditional areas in the Arctic to satisfy territorial and DEW polices. These efforts also made him disliked by the Liberals.
He served both the citizens of the Central Island and BC well for so many years. Greatly missed – especially the humour and that laugh, quite apart from his ability on the bag pipes.
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Lynn Hunter Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Bob. I remember him fondly as a former colleague Member of Parliament 1988-93. He was a man of principal and integrity. I admired his gentle tenacity. His commitment to justice for Indigenous people when it was not a popular stance contributed to the growth of my own awareness of its’ importance.
I lost my own dear husband, Don Armstrong in March to Parkinson’s disease. My own grief is still fresh and now I share your grief at another good man gone. I will be making a donation to the Parkinson’s Society in Bob’s honour.Warmly,
Lynn Hunter
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Moe Sihota Bob was the first Leader of our Party that I had the privilege of serving under. As a rookie MLA, elected in 1986, I was grateful for his mentorship, advice and support. I admired his wit, his sensitivity and his passion for the cause of social justice.
The 1984 convention that elected Bob as Leader was like no other. Dramatic. Inspiring. And ultimately uniting both the blue and green collar wings of our movement around Bob.
The 1986 election was also like no other. We got off to a poor start but Bob chipped away at the Socreds and came within a few percentage points of becoming Premier. Post election, Bob showed great confidence in many of his new MLA’s such as Glen Clark, Dan Miller, Lois Boone, Dale Lovick and assigned critic responsibilities that resulted in a formidable Opposition- one that lead us to victory in 1991.
I am saddened by his loss. But his contribution to his constituents and our Province should not be forgotten. His legacy is one which his children and grandchildren should be forever proud.
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Matilda Atleo Alex,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and family.
I will cherish the memories I have of him.
Take care,On behalf of our family
Matilda(Watts) Atleo
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Joan McKinty My thoughts and condolences go out to you “Chuk”, Susan and Robbie at this difficult time. It was my pleasure to work for Bob at the Legislature for many years, starting in 1972. They were intense times, but hold many happy memories. Bob worked tirelessly for his constituents and his honesty, sincerity and passion for the environment was second to none. Susan and Robbie were probably too young to remember but I’m sure you’ll smile Chuk when you dredge up the memory of Bob water skiing with us on Sproat Lake while playing his bagpipe chanter. Cherish all your happy memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and humanitarian.
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Lisa Howie (neighbour) I am saddened and so sorry to hear the news of Bob’s passing. My sincere condolences to Sonia and family.
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Dan and Randi Kazmiruk Alex and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember meeting you and Bob when you first moved into the neighbourhood a few years back. Knowing of Bob Skelly’s long public service, I asked him “Are you ‘the’ Bob Skelly?” He cheerfully replied, “I used to be!”. Deepest condolences from Randi and I.
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Jacquie Boyer and Don Prince Alex, so sad to hear that you have lost your best friend, Bob. He was so very fortunate to have you by his side as he travelled through his struggle with Parkinson’s. So many memories have come up over the past few days – getting to know you both during Bob’s leadership campaign and all our wonderful gatherings in Port Alberni both at Shirley’s and at your lovely place at Sproat Lake.
Bob will be remembered as a man who truly cared and served in many capacities in such a humble manner.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Leta Luchsinger Dear Alex and family,
I had the privilege of working for Bob twice. Firstly in Victoria as a research assistant when he became leader of the Provincial NDP.
Years later I was his Constituency Assistant in Courtenay from 1988 to 1993.
Bob helped so many people, quietly and with all sincerity. He will be well remembered.
My condolences, Leta Luchsinger
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Alex Skelly June 27,1991
A husband.
At first thought I am globally warmed.
Safety, security, not-needing-to-be-spoken love.
Massive roots through solid rock.
I go out and embrace my other world knowing I am securely grounded.
If it all disappeared tomorrow I would still contain it all inside.
A lifetime of knowing instant wordless responses…otherness.
On occasion fury and despair flash through the fabric
clashing loudly…needing affirmation…but always harmlessly dissipated,
powerless beneath the greater strength of humour, wit, acuity, heart
that constantly surprises with insights hitherto unknown.We are sitting at a restaurant table outside under a warm Australian sun,
drinking a cup of cappuccino.
I glance down at the hand around his cup and notice
the fingernail with its slight crack.
His hand. It overwhelms me.
This is our life together – beautiful, vulnerable, strong.Written for you Robert with love, from “Chuk”.
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Lynne Newton We are honoured to have had the pleasure in meeting Bob such a lovely man . We will never forget how he and Alex welcomed us into their home by the lake when we visited, We felt so comfortable in your company like we had known you both for years . My dad had many friends but there were a couple that meant more to him than that , Bob was one of them . When he spoke of Bob it was with love and so much respect for the man he was . Dads new life on Vancouver island with Judy was amazing and Bob and Alex were a big part of that . Sending love and heart felt condolences to Alex and all of Bobs beautiful family Tom Lynne Zoe , & Carly xxx
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Judith Hutchison Robert Skelly was a man of rock-solid integrity. His word was his bond. He was a private person motivated by deep compassion who modestly dedicated his life to service without any fanfare about it. He was full of insight and quick wit, balancing unflappable rationality with sensitive appreciation of the arts, especially literature, music, painting and photography. And, oh yes, he was a man of courage. Bob was a loving husband, loving father and grandfather, and loving friend. There are many he helped who will never know it, but those who knew Robert Skelly are filled with a mighty thanks. It was an honour and a privilege, Sir.
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Lynda Dear Alexandra, Rob and Susan and family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. I imagine things are pretty tough right now, but hopefully it helps you to know that others are thinking of you.
I miss him as well and all the chats we have had of late cousin to cousin.
In deepest sympathy,
John, Lynda, Kelly and Kim
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Bruna and Ken We are so sorry for your loss. Robert will be remembered with both tears and smiles. May all the memories help you through these days.
Dear Alex
Not sure if you remember me from Kursy 1962. Recently read of Bob’s death. My deepest sympathy.
Still think of you often and remember how excited you were as you were to begin your life with
Bob. All the best.