Skinner, Robert Alan, 53, Truro, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario. Born in New Glasgow he was the son of the late Donald Elms and Emma (Byard) Skinner. He was very sports-minded and enjoyed basketball and baseball. Robert was involved in his early years as a Sea Cadet and travelled at the age of 16 for three months with the Royal Canadian Navy on board the HMCS Annapolis. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed all types of music especially country and western. He worked for the County of Colchester as a compost operator at the Colchester Balefill and Composting Facility. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his life partner, Wanda Taylor; children, Ebeni Skinner-Dorrington, Erin Dorrington; stepchildren, John (Kaila) Russell, Tara Russell; grandchildren, Amari Dorrington, Hunter Russell; former spouse, Tracey Dorrington-Skinner; sisters, Joan, Thelma, Debbie; brothers, Floyd, Glenn, Blair, Darryl, Stanley, Donnie and Delbert; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life in his memory will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 2 – 4 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of N.S. or to the Ronald MacDonald House. On-line condolences may be made at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com