Ken Skinner

Kenneth O’Delle Skinner passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Southampton Care Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in his 96th year. He was a longtime resident of Sauble Beach.
Beloved husband for 61 years to the late Marlene (Hea). Ken was the loving father of Tracey Daciw, the late Brett Skinner (Sue), and Trent Skinner. He was the cherished grandpa of Brandon Janke, Breena Goulding (Tony), Karly Janke, Kaleb Daciw, Lauren Freeborn (Tom), and Erin Skinner; and the proud great-grandpa to Brady and Colby Goulding and Theo and Owen Freeborn.
Ken took immense pride in his lifelong dedication to education. Beginning his career in a one-room schoolhouse, and over the years extended his leadership to other schools in the Owen Sound area. He was thrilled that he went full circle at Ryerson Public School, where he attended as a student, teacher and as a principal. He was instrumental in introducing French immersion to the Bluewater District School Board, initiating the first program at Hillcrest School. Even after retiring in 1984, Ken continued to mentor others interested in learning French, often slipping a phrase or two in conversations to keep us on our toes. Once a teacher always a teacher.
An avid traveler, Ken loved planning family camping trips across Canada and the United States. In later years, he and Marlene enjoyed many trips throughout the States, typically following a roadmap to any duplicate bridge tournament from here to Texas. A passionate and skilled player, Ken remained active in the bridge community until December of his final year, forming many lasting friendships along the way.
Ken also had a deep love of word puzzles, which he enjoyed for hours and credited with keeping his mind sharp. A natural storyteller, he was delighted to share his stories of his adventures where the family always listened with enthusiasm like it was the first time he was telling it. Rarely without his harmonica, Ken brought joy to those around him, always ready to play a tune whenever the opportunity arose.
He will be deeply missed by his family, who find comfort in a lifetime of memories that will be held in our hearts forever.
A private family graveside service will be held at Edgehill Cemetery, Colpoy’s Bay. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to your local animal shelter would be appreciated, reflecting Ken’s love of animals. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Condolences(8)

Diane Booth says
April 27, 2026 at 9:56 pm

Trent & Family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Diane Booth
Jessie Wood says
April 28, 2026 at 6:17 am

Tracey & Family I am deeply saddened to hear of your Father passing.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead & loving memories to hold in your hearts forever. 🕊
Greg Coffey says
April 28, 2026 at 6:29 pm

Trent and family, just thinking of you as you morn the sadness and celebrate the happiness

From the Coffey family, Greg,Andrea,Ethan
Mark Wunderlich says
May 2, 2026 at 7:58 am

Peace be with you and yours Tracey, Sue, and Trent I remember him from my days when I attended Ryerson Public School he was a great guy
David Green says
May 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm

Tracey, Trent and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I also will miss him. Ken and my friendship goes back more than fifty years. I first met him when I became Vice-Principal at Hillcrest School back in 1970. Ken was my Principal. The next ten years were fun years for us both, creating a new school at Hillcrest for all the grade seven and eight students on the west side of Owen Sound. This included a new school wing, hiring of staff, creation of curriculum and preparing for several hundred new students, learning and fun times for us all. In the early 1980s, Ken moved to Victoria School when French Immersion was started in Owen Sound. By 1984 when Ken retired, Victoria was half French Immersion, half regular English school. I replaced Ken at Victoria after he retired.
Ken introduced me to camping in 1970 which my family greatly appreciated.Also, Ken and I travelled together for a week or more each year for more than 20 years all over North America. When I retired in 1996, Ken, his wife, Marlene, my wife, Lois and I went to Britain for three weeks, travelling the country in a rented car.
I will miss Ken as friend and as a fellow educator. Together we had fun lives. Thank you Ken.
Marc boisvert says
May 3, 2026 at 8:34 am

It is with sadness that I hear about Ken passing.
Ken was my principal at Hillcrest for many years and he was always supportive of all my ventures. Yes Ken did support the French programs and French exchanges.
Yes Ken boys will be boys.
Rest in peace with your loving bride.
Rick Hill says
May 3, 2026 at 7:19 pm

My condolences for your loss Sue, I know Ken held a special spot in your heart. He will be missed.
Roberta Davidson says
May 9, 2026 at 9:00 am

To the family of Ken Skinner:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the recent loss of Ken. He lived a full life and you will have so many wonderful memories to cherish. He clearly added so much to the education system.
Sincerely,
Roberta Davidson, on behalf of the Goodwill Committee, EEC (formerly RTO/ERO) Bruce-Grey unit.

Ken Skinner April 25, 2026

Condolences(8)

Diane Booth says

Jessie Wood says

Greg Coffey says

Mark Wunderlich says

David Green says

Marc boisvert says

Rick Hill says

Roberta Davidson says

Leave a Condolence

Leave a Condolence

About Thomas Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel

Recent Obituaries

Helen Smart

Amy Nadjiwon-Tobey Ingram

Judy Pomeroy

Edwin McCutcheon

Tom Bond