Obituary of Lewis Owen Skidmore

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Lewis Owen Skidmore on August 6th, 2020 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, his daughter Debi was with him to offer comfort as he passed. Lewis was born to the late Vera Patton and Irving MacKenzie on January 7, 1942 in Linacy, Nova Scotia. Lew leaves behind the love of his life Joan Kowsynski, daughter Debi Skidmore, son Eddie Skidmore, grandson Calum Skidmore, sisters Jean Trefry and Cathy Nealis, nephew Terry Power, niece Patsy Power, and dear friends Paulette Barrinne and Audrey Hatto. Along with family and friends, he will be greatly missed by the fur babies in his life, especially Roxie and Boomer. Lewis is predeceased by sisters Doris Dywer and Helen Fraser, and by brother James MacKenzie. In 1972 Lew was awarded the Governor General's award for Bravery for saving the life of a young boy who had fallen into the Nashwaak river in April 1969. Lew loved Nature and all of its creatures. He happily fed and befriended the raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhog, ravens and crows that visited him. He thrived on adventure and enjoyed exploring old dirt roads as well as fishing, fiddleheading, and picking berries. It wasn’t uncommon for him to gift extra berries to his loved ones. Lewis truly believed that life was about exploring, living, and being a part of the earth, and he enjoyed telling stories of his adventures. Like his berry picking, the stories that Lew told grew quickly in size the more he shared. Lew cherished his recovery community and program, and valued the skills he learned that helped him become a better person. The family wish to extend a special thank you to the nurses at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on 4 SE for their help and support during Lewis’ final days. In keeping with Lew’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Instead there will be a cremation followed by a Celebration of Life at Corbett Church on Friday, August 14th, 2020 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. There will be some sharing time at 7:00pm for those who wish to be present. Corbett Church is located at 55 Corbett Ave, Fredericton. Guests are reminded that all social distancing measures will be observed during the celebration of Lew's life. Unfortunately, there will be no food or beverages available with the exception of water. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable cup. To those who wish, donations in his memory may be made to the Atlantic Wildlife Institute or Portage Atlantic - Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre.