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
Dear Princess Sonia,
I am sorry that Bob is no longer a part of Planet Earth. He certainly will be missed. I have wonderful memories of September 1966 when I met Agnes, John, Dave Boettcher and you at Cunningham School–and then Bob and Jack were added to the mix. Jack, John and you, the pianists; Bob, Agnes and me in sync with ideas about peace and social justice for all- heady times the 60’s and 70’s.
I’m not sure when we lost touch with each other. I have certainly thought about you and Bob over the ensuing years. I would be pleased to resume an email friendship at some point if you wish.
Again, my sympathy. Bob Skelly, was a good man doing good work.
I was born and raised in Port Alberni in the 70s and 80s. I remember asking my father what he thought of Bob Skelly possibly becoming premier. My father – a farmer and mill worker and a man of few words, replied only that ‘Bob Skelly is a good man’.
Can we think of any higher praise than to be remembered as such?
Robert Skelly loved to swim in Sproat Lake — and he did it his own way. He committed to
swimming in the lake, every day of the year, regardless of weather or temperature. For me,
this a great example not only of his great personal and physical discipline but also of his level
of commitment that included to people and projects important in his life.
I have great memories of Bob that I will treasure forever. Here are a few.
In solidarity with the Nicaraguan people, we had spent 3 weeks travelling across Nicaragua,
getting to know the people there and their struggle for life and dignity. While there, we also
had a lot of fun discovering and sharing with friends from across BC . We committed to
helping our Nicaragua compañeros over the long term having already planted the seeds for
the Tools for Peace solidarity project.
Bob and I spent a month in 1983 travelling together across the Alberni region during his
successful campaign for MLA. While popular thinking (then as now) is that politicians are
mostly a self-serving lot, Bob consistently demonstrated to me that he was not one of those
politicians and further, that he had met many similarly-principled people among his
colleagues. Bob was a true public servant and touched the lives of thousands of his
constituents over the years by providing real help when needed.
Bob and Alex continued to show us by example of how to retire and continue to practice
social justice, travelling and learning from people in other countries. We were inspired by
their journeys to Chernobyl and Cambodia as well as trips to Europe to attend social justice
conferences.
Over the past few years, and slowed down by advancing Parkinson's, Bob demonstrated to
us all what is possible when one’s personal discipline and principles combines with the loving
support of family members. Social media photos of Bob with his family, out taking photos and
riding his bike come to mind.
Gracias a mi compañero Roberto for your kindness, example and friendship. You will be
deeply missed and always present in our memories.
Denny and Sara Durocher
Robert was a wonderful lifelong friend. We have so many fond memories of the times we spent together from our school days to our senior years.We will always cherish those memories and will deeply miss him.
Last speech from Bob Skelly
This address was prepared by Bob for his ceremonial visit to the B.C. Legislature on November 3, 2021. He was unable to read it, so it is being presented here posthumously.
“I did not confine myself to domestic issues. I was opposed to uranium mining. British Columbians were influenced by the movie “China Syndrome”, and also by news from USA about the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania.
I worked with the Skagit Valley committee to oppose the danger of using nuclear power in Canada. I attended a hearing of the siting committee in Seattle and the effects of the Trojan nuclear plant in Portland on the Columbia River. I met with Canadians who had been jailed for trespassing on the base of the Trident Nuclear Submarine in Bremerton, Washington…which had been labelled a first strike weapon in violation of international law.
When Canadian Pacific sought permission from the Canadian Transport Board to shut down passenger service on the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, I campaigned to have the railway ordered to continue operation as promised by the Dominion government of 1871.
I opposed the so called run of the river dam at Site C on the Peace River. I spoke to a public meeting of concerned citizens in the area who were fearful of the impact of the proposed dam on the agriculture of the region. My message was clear. If you want to protect your resources, in a democracy you must do so at the ballot box.
My personal priority was the McGregor Diversion. I opposed the diversion of the Fraser watershed into the Arctic Sea because of the negative impact it would have on the the global environment. Diverting 15% of the watershed’s flow would slow the Fraser system down, increase the deltaic deposit upstream of the current delta deposit, and move the spawning areas of the Fraser canyon into the USA.
When Tommy Douglas asked me to seek election as a member of the British Columbia Legislature, I had just responded to a job offer as Assistant Superintendent of an Indian Agency, which I refused. I had received a copy of Pierre Trudeaus “white paper” that essentially called for the elimination of indigenous cultures, and would strip them of all the protections they might have in negotiations.
In my first contribution to the caucus chairmans question “What promises did you make to your constituents that you must keep as soon as possible?” my answer was “to recognize aboriginal rights in British Columbia”. His response? “ Ambitious.” That was the topic of my maiden speech in the legislature.
I obtained a copy of a report by the Federal Forestry Research station in Victoria. It proposed the construction of a number of 50 megawatt wood fired electric generators an economic and environmentally safe distance from population centres. This type of plant was promoted by Senator Bernie Sanders of Burlington, Vermont. It was approved by the Sierra Club and other citizens organizations, and obviated the need to import nuclear power from New York State.
These are some of my areas of concern. Throughout my life, my guiding philosophy has been “ The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion”. (Thomas Paine)
I had the great privilege of working for Robert when he became an MP. Despite the grind of the Ottawa red eye flights and the demands of the house, he never failed to help a constituent in need.
He was the aboriginal affairs critic and did much good work in attempts to hold the Brian Mulroney government accountable in many areas. In particular I believe he did some great work researching and bringing to the fore the shocking forced relocation of Inuit to non traditional areas in the Arctic to satisfy territorial and DEW polices. These efforts also made him disliked by the Liberals.
He served both the citizens of the Central Island and BC well for so many years. Greatly missed – especially the humour and that laugh, quite apart from his ability on the bag pipes.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Bob. I remember him fondly as a former colleague Member of Parliament 1988-93. He was a man of principal and integrity. I admired his gentle tenacity. His commitment to justice for Indigenous people when it was not a popular stance contributed to the growth of my own awareness of its’ importance.
I lost my own dear husband, Don Armstrong in March to Parkinson’s disease. My own grief is still fresh and now I share your grief at another good man gone. I will be making a donation to the Parkinson’s Society in Bob’s honour.
Warmly,
Lynn Hunter
Bob was the first Leader of our Party that I had the privilege of serving under. As a rookie MLA, elected in 1986, I was grateful for his mentorship, advice and support. I admired his wit, his sensitivity and his passion for the cause of social justice.
The 1984 convention that elected Bob as Leader was like no other. Dramatic. Inspiring. And ultimately uniting both the blue and green collar wings of our movement around Bob.
The 1986 election was also like no other. We got off to a poor start but Bob chipped away at the Socreds and came within a few percentage points of becoming Premier. Post election, Bob showed great confidence in many of his new MLA’s such as Glen Clark, Dan Miller, Lois Boone, Dale Lovick and assigned critic responsibilities that resulted in a formidable Opposition- one that lead us to victory in 1991.
I am saddened by his loss. But his contribution to his constituents and our Province should not be forgotten. His legacy is one which his children and grandchildren should be forever proud.
Alex,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and family.
I will cherish the memories I have of him.
Take care,
On behalf of our family
Matilda(Watts) Atleo
My thoughts and condolences go out to you “Chuk”, Susan and Robbie at this difficult time. It was my pleasure to work for Bob at the Legislature for many years, starting in 1972. They were intense times, but hold many happy memories. Bob worked tirelessly for his constituents and his honesty, sincerity and passion for the environment was second to none. Susan and Robbie were probably too young to remember but I’m sure you’ll smile Chuk when you dredge up the memory of Bob water skiing with us on Sproat Lake while playing his bagpipe chanter. Cherish all your happy memories of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and humanitarian.