Predeceased by her husband Allister in 2018, Iona died peacefully in Victoria General Hospital on February 5th, 2020. Born in Haddington, Scotland on October 29, 1942. After growing up in Rimbey, Alberta, Iona married Al in 1967. The newlyweds lived and worked in Asia before moving to Calgary and starting a family.
Lured by the sea, the Skinners lived in Ladner, on Salt Spring Island and finally Victoria, B.C. where Al served as minister at Cordova Bay United Church and Iona enjoyed teaching English to adults. The Skinners travelled extensively and delighted in visiting family and friends they made throughout the world. A proud Scot, Iona’s caring spirit was evident in the love she showered on family, friends, students and members of the church community.
She found great joy in her gardening, art, reading, writing and other creative activities.
Iona will be greatly missed by her daughter Andrea, her son Ian (Shera), her four brothers, extended family and many devoted friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Cordova Bay United Church on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 1:00 pm (tartan wearing welcome).
In lieu of flowers, donations made to Mount Newton Centre Society https://mountnewtoncentre.org/donate/ would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
David K. Gilchrist
-
Andrea Skinner Iona Skinner’s Celebration of Life originally planned for May 16, 2020 will be postponed due to coronavirus and a service will take place at a later date once it is safe to gather together again.
-
margy ransford Dear Andrea, Ian and family of Iona and Allister:
So saddened to hear of your wonderful Mom’s passing last month. We were just arranging a time to have tea with her after New Year’s. She was so very warm, understanding, and caring: what a fabulous pair of parents to grow up with. Of course, your one-of-a-kind, unforgettable-forever Dad married us in 1995. We will always hold them both in a special place in our hearts. Sending vibes of comfort and love to you. Margy Ransford and Greg Mayer, Victoria bc
-
Kristin Stearn February-22-20
Your mom was a great Scottish lass, and I will always remember her wonderful stories and be in appreciation for her love and support of Jace and I in our years in Victoria. RIP Auntie Iona❤
~ Kristin Stearn
-
indyandy February-23-20
Iona, and husband Al, will be greatly missed by the Pine Hill Divinity Hall Class of 1963. They attended all our class reunions, including one in Victoria. He added energy and laughter while she added wisdom and warmth. They both had warm and welcoming arms. Each was a blessing to many and leave behind life-affirming memories.
Walter & Juanita
-
Carl and Carol Nishimura Dear Andrea, Ian and families. We were saddened by the news of your Mom’s passing. She was such a bright light to the people whose lives she touched.Her passion for her family and friends and her community in general extended into her love of gardening, her crafts and reading. She is back with your dad and heaven has gained a very special angel!
-
Ethel Magnus It is with deep sadness that I say “goodbye” to Iona my dear friend since our university years at U of A in Edmonton. She always welcomed my family and me with a smile and open arms. She has set a cherished and strenuous example. Countless fond memories keep her close to us and her loving spirit reminds me that in many ways she is still nearby. Much love to the whole family!
-
Jan and Dave Laundy Although Al was a larger than life person and took centre stage in his pastoral role, Iona was the best help mate he could have chosen. Always supporting with a big warm welcoming smile in her home and wherever she went. We always loved to go to Ganges United when we visited my Mother Jean with our boys. The memory of the special day with Iona and Al at our Pender Island home at the outdoor baptism of our twin grandchildren Kenna and Ethan will always be treasured. Also other great get togethers we enjoyed over the years.
-
Rohana Laing Dear Andrea and Ian,
I am sure you know how much love and caring I received from both your parents who were always very good to me from the time I decided to pursue becoming a minister with the United Church of Canada. Your mom and I shared an interest in art and she and Al even bought some of my art which they had in their home in Victoria. We visited many times although in recent years I have been living in Mexico 6 months of the year and have not had many visits to Victoria. I regret that last summer when I was in Victoria I spent my time visiting my son Kris and my grand daughter Ardis who goes to UVic. and I didnt get to visit Iona. I was saddened to hear about her death and want to honour her life as one well lived. She was such a caring and generous person and I was so fortunate to have known her.
love and blessings
(Rev.) Rohana Laing
-
Mike and Annette Boorman So sad to hear of Ioana’s passing. We have cherished memories of Iona and Al from the time of her growing up here in Rimbey, and Al’s ministry here many years ago. It was great that they retained that bond of friendship with us here, and we send our deep condolences to her family.
-
Marilyn Dyer Words cannot express the void I feel with the loss of my dear friend Iona. She was like a sister to me. OUR lives were entwined from the time we met in the fifties. OUR memories will always be treasures. You were a true Scot dear Iona. Blessings and love to your family.
-
Jane & Juggy Pallan Dear Andrea and family: Our heartfelt condolences to you and Ian on the death of your beloved mother. She was such a gracious lady and always wore a smile. Such a talent now laid to rest. We are thinking of you, and we will let the folks at Ladner know the details of the service time and place. Rest assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care…….
Fondly,
Jane & Juggy
-
Cidalia Alvernaz Although I only had the pleasure of knowing Iona for the last year, she made a big impact on me. Iona quickly made it onto my short list of women that inspire me. She seemed to make every minute count, she was warm and fun loving and went with the flow! Her attitude and passions have certainly rubbed off on her daughter Andrea (and son Ian) who I am fortunate to have as a friend. Iona will continue to enrich my life and, I am sure, all her family and friends.
Andrea and Ian, I was sorry we lost touch with Al and Iona three or four years ago. We were in Calgary together back in the 1970s; and we always visited when we came out to Victoria. I noticed that we didn’t hear from them the last two or three Christmases; today I looked for them on the WEB, only two find both obituaries. I am sorry that they are no longer with you in person; but I also know that they will always be with you other important ways. I would be happy if one of you would contact me at ; and I would phone you to hear more about my old friends.