It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lionel Richard Skeet. Richard, Skeeter or just Rich was born April 15, 1947 in King’s Daughters Hospital, Duncan and passed away December 16, 2016 at Cowichan District Hospital with his immediate family by his side.
Richard leaves behind his daughter Kristina of Nanaimo and his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Douglas Robertson of Duncan, nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends. Richard is predeceased by his son David in 2001, his mother June in 2003 and his father Lionel in 2012.
In the 1960’s Richard was a member of the Cobble Hill 4-H Lamb Club and, after his father helped to organize the 4-H Beef Club, he became a member. He won many championships with his Suffolk Sheep and excelled in fitting and showing his 4-H steers.
Richard was an avid sports enthusiast. Growing up he played little league baseball and later football with the Cowichan Timbermen. He loved to golf with all his golf buddies and 10 pin bowled every week for many years, both at Duncan Lanes and Youbou Bowling Alley.
When Richard was sixteen he had a job washing the Arrow Chipper trucks every Saturday. He always wanted to be a Heavy Duty Mechanic and after he graduated from Cowichan Senior High School in 1966 he began a four year apprenticeship with Doman Industries. A career he had for over forty years with Doman Industries and later Trans Isle Freightway, now known as Marpole.
When he retired he moved to Youbou and led a very active life as Chairman for the Youbou Community Association.
He was a quiet, gentle man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially two four legged friends, Fezz and Amy.
A celebration of life will be held January 29, 2017 at the Eagles Hall, Boys Rd, Duncan at 2:00 pm.