SKIFFINGTON, EDMUND JR. - Edmund Skiffington Jr passed away at McNair Manor in Moncton, NB, on Monday, March 24th, 2014 after a full and successful life. He was born in Sommerville, Massachusetts on November 3rd, 1921, the son Myra (Snow) and Edmund Skiffington Sr. Ed grew up in Sommerville and following graduation from high school, Ed joined the US Navy and remained in active service during World War II. At the end of the war, Ed enrolled in Springfield College, Springfield Massachusetts and graduated in 1951 with a Masters Degree in Physical Education. His first job took him to Saint John, NB where he taught at Saint John High School, he then returned to work in the United States for approximately 4 years. In 1957 he returned to Canada to teach physical education at Moncton High School, and subsequently he served as the director of athletics at "MHS" for nearly 30 years. During his career, he coached multiple sports but he is best known for introducing Canadian Football to the Provincial High School Sports Program in 1960. Ed's Purple Knights won numerous provincial championships in football. He was also the driving force behind the organization of the NB High School Football League. As well, Ed was involved in the Royal Canadian Legion's summer track and field program for 15 years, he was the head coach of the NB team at the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax, and was an official at two other Canada Games. He was also a certified international association of approved basketball officials, and conducted intensive training which was instrumental in raising the level of officiating in Moncton and throughout the Province. As a result of Ed's many contributions to sports, he was inducted into the NB Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Other accolades include the John Meagher and Paul Harris Awards, and his name is on the Canadian Track & Field Officials Wall of Fame and the City of Moncton Wall of Honour. Ed described his success to being in "the right place at the right time" and was humbled by the honours that he received. Following Ed's retirement in 1984, he continued to be active in the community. He worked with the Albert County Food Bank and Action Committee, and could be seen delivering food baskets at Christmas. He volunteered at The Moncton Hospital where he comforted family members who were waiting for their loved ones while they were in surgery. He and Lois were on the team and took organs from Moncton to the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, sometimes being called in the middle of the night to carry out this responsibility. Ed not only enjoyed music but he played percussion instruments and was often seen playing the kettle drums in the MHS school band at graduation. He also sang in the church choir both in Harrisville and Lower Coverdale. Retirement allotted time for Ed and Lois to travel and they took several road trips across Canada and the United States and as well to Florida. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Lois, who was his life long partner for almost 70 years. He will be truly missed by his daughter Sandra Rivenbark, sons; Edmund (Trudy) Skiffington, Gordon (Debbie Himpe) Skiffington, and Keith Skiffington. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren; Leigh, Jennifer, Sara, Sam, Bud, Tedmund, and Halley, by his great grandchildren Tyler, Maddison, Fallon, and Savannah. The family wishes to thank all those who helped Ed over the past four years, but most importantly to the McNair family and the caring staff of McNair Manor, 44 Beachwood Avenue, Moncton, who made his "every day" worthwhile; to Dr. Sylvie LeBlanc who always available when needed and went "over and above" with Ed's care; to Ed's friends who visited; and to all former colleagues and students who visited, sent cards, and corresponded with Ed while at the manor.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fair Haven Funeral Home, 1177 Salisbury Road, Moncton (506) 852-3530. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 28th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The service of celebration of Ed's life will take place at Fair Haven Funeral Home on Saturday, March 29th, at 2:00 pm. Following the interment of the remains in the Serenity Nitch, a reception will follow in the Garden View Reception Room of Fair Haven Funeral Home, where memories will be shared with the family and friends. For those who wish, a donation to KidSport Canada - New Brunswick Division or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences may be made at www.fairhavenmemorial.ca