Passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Robert was born in New Westminster, BC on April 14, 1943. Predeceased by his brother, Raymond, he is survived by his sisters, Gail, Kelly, Catherine and Patricia and by his brother, Graham; his wife, Sonia Alexandra; his daughter, Susan (Michael) and son, Robert (Sue); and his grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah-Grace and Heather.
Robert dedicated his working life to the pursuit of peace, environmental justice, and the rights of women, indigenous, and working people. “What we desire for ourselves, we desire for all.”
He was a member of the BC Legislature for Alberni from 1972 to 1987, leading the BC New Democratic Party from 1984 to 1987. He served as Member of Parliament for the Comox-Alberni riding from 1988 to 1993. Upon retirement, he continued to serve his community as tribunal chairman and Justice of the Peace.
Honouring Robert’s wishes, there will be no service. Condolences may be offered to family below. Donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia.
“Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.”
Robert Burns.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
I am saddened and so sorry to hear the news of Bob’s passing. My sincere condolences to Sonia and family.
Alex and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember meeting you and Bob when you first moved into the neighbourhood a few years back. Knowing of Bob Skelly’s long public service, I asked him “Are you ‘the’ Bob Skelly?” He cheerfully replied, “I used to be!”. Deepest condolences from Randi and I.
Alex, so sad to hear that you have lost your best friend, Bob. He was so very fortunate to have you by his side as he travelled through his struggle with Parkinson’s. So many memories have come up over the past few days – getting to know you both during Bob’s leadership campaign and all our wonderful gatherings in Port Alberni both at Shirley’s and at your lovely place at Sproat Lake.
Bob will be remembered as a man who truly cared and served in many capacities in such a humble manner.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Alex and family,
I had the privilege of working for Bob twice. Firstly in Victoria as a research assistant when he became leader of the Provincial NDP.
Years later I was his Constituency Assistant in Courtenay from 1988 to 1993.
Bob helped so many people, quietly and with all sincerity. He will be well remembered.
My condolences, Leta Luchsinger
Hello Terry,
I have forwarded this message to the family as condolences are seen by the public, and you may not want your phone number to published.
Kind regards,
Eren
June 27,1991
A husband.
At first thought I am globally warmed.
Safety, security, not-needing-to-be-spoken love.
Massive roots through solid rock.
I go out and embrace my other world knowing I am securely grounded.
If it all disappeared tomorrow I would still contain it all inside.
A lifetime of knowing instant wordless responses…otherness.
On occasion fury and despair flash through the fabric
clashing loudly…needing affirmation…but always harmlessly dissipated,
powerless beneath the greater strength of humour, wit, acuity, heart
that constantly surprises with insights hitherto unknown.
We are sitting at a restaurant table outside under a warm Australian sun,
drinking a cup of cappuccino.
I glance down at the hand around his cup and notice
the fingernail with its slight crack.
His hand. It overwhelms me.
This is our life together – beautiful, vulnerable, strong.
Written for you Robert with love, from “Chuk”.
We are honoured to have had the pleasure in meeting Bob such a lovely man . We will never forget how he and Alex welcomed us into their home by the lake when we visited, We felt so comfortable in your company like we had known you both for years . My dad had many friends but there were a couple that meant more to him than that , Bob was one of them . When he spoke of Bob it was with love and so much respect for the man he was . Dads new life on Vancouver island with Judy was amazing and Bob and Alex were a big part of that . Sending love and heart felt condolences to Alex and all of Bobs beautiful family Tom Lynne Zoe , & Carly xxx
Robert Skelly was a man of rock-solid integrity. His word was his bond. He was a private person motivated by deep compassion who modestly dedicated his life to service without any fanfare about it. He was full of insight and quick wit, balancing unflappable rationality with sensitive appreciation of the arts, especially literature, music, painting and photography. And, oh yes, he was a man of courage. Bob was a loving husband, loving father and grandfather, and loving friend. There are many he helped who will never know it, but those who knew Robert Skelly are filled with a mighty thanks. It was an honour and a privilege, Sir.
Dear Alexandra, Rob and Susan and family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on your loss. I imagine things are pretty tough right now, but hopefully it helps you to know that others are thinking of you.
I miss him as well and all the chats we have had of late cousin to cousin.
In deepest sympathy,
John, Lynda, Kelly and Kim
We are so sorry for your loss. Robert will be remembered with both tears and smiles. May all the memories help you through these days.