Captain Dan Skinner
Born In: Harbour Breton, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Born: September 30th, 1939
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: November 2nd, 2015
It is with profound sadness, the family of Daniel Skinner, announce his passing at the age of 76. Dan died at home on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness with cancer.
Born in Harbour Breton, Nfld., on Sept. 30, 1939, Dan was the son of the late Helen (Mahoney) and James Skinner.
Dan was a member of the Northern Yacht Club and the North Sydney Senior Citizens and Pensioners' Club. Prior to his retirement Dan spent his career at sea. His two longtime employers being H.B. Nickerson’s and National Sea. His years of being at the helm of many draggers, and being known for a “large haul” made him well known in fishing communities such as Louisbourg, Canso, Alder Point, Petit de Gras and North Sydney. Dan was most proud to be awarded “Highliner of the Year” two years in a row at the annual convention in Lunenburg. Dan wore many hats in his life time but the two he was most proud of was “Captain” and after his retirement from fishing “Poppy”.
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carlotta (Claudia) Ongo. Dan is also survived by his son, Shawn (Tanya); his daughter-in-law, Betty-Jo and her husband, Steve Kehoe, and by his grandchildren, who he cherished and cared for every day of their lives, Danielle, Bryce and Franki. Dan is survived by his siblings, Joe (Marlene), North Sydney, Marie (Dave) Baggs, Jim (Madonna), Kevin (Sarah), Francis (Beverly), Jane (Alex) Hunt, John (Robena), and Bob, all of Newfoundland. Dan is also survived by brother-in-law, Bud Augot; sisters-in-law, Martha MacLeod and Sylvia (Danny) Poirier, and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was predeceased by his children, Gary and Monica, also by his brother, Leo and brothers-in-law, Frank, Max, Kenneth, Phillip, Donnie and sisters-in-law, Nettie and Marie.
Dan opened his home and cared for most of his siblings as they came to North Sydney to finish their high school years or to gain employment. They fondly recall the hand up Dan gave as they were getting started in life and shared with them whatever he and Carlotta had at the time. He loved to spend hours talking with his friends of his “fishing tales”. His other great passion in life was being a grandfather.
Dan took all the love he had when he lost Gary and Monica and gave it to Shawn and his three precious grandchildren. They will forever have “Poppy” stories to hold in their hearts.
The family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. At Dan’s request there will be no funeral but a private graveside burial at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Patient Care Fund or Palliative Care of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
Your presence we’ll miss, your memories we’ll treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.
