SKINNER, Mervyn Chester- Age 83, West Bay, Inverness Co. It is with heavy hearts that we announce Mervyn’s peaceful passing on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. For the past ten months, Mervyn was a resident at the Richmond Villa in St. Peter’s. His home away from home provided him with the most loving and compassionate care during his declining health. His last day was spent listening to Christmas music beside his tree. Those who knew Mervyn would attest to the fact that this was his favourite time of year and fitting for him to choose to go home for Christmas. Born in Calder’s Mountain, Inverness Co., on September 5, 1933, he was a son of the late James Chester and Catherine (Calder) Skinner. Mervyn returned from working away in Ontario and begun his long career as a pipefitter at the original paper mill in Point Tupper. He belonged to the Communications, Energy and Paperwork’s Union, Local 972. Over the 30 years he was employed, he made lasting friendships and often ran into former co-workers who he enjoyed seeing and talking to about their time together at Stora. He was an avid supporter of his community and church and generously donated many hours to both. He served on many committees and as an Elder at the West Bay United Church. He also enjoyed his time with the choir. At home, Mervyn enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds and deer and spending time with the grandchildren. Although he did enjoy short trips, he was most content at home with his beloved dog, Ben. Mervyn will be dearly missed by his wife, Catherine; his children, Alexander "Sandy", Timberlea; James, Clayton Park; Andrea, Clayton Park. He is also survived by siblings, brother, Robert (Murdena), Dartmouth; sisters, Mary Marshall, Windsor, Ont; Irene MacDonald, Sydney Forks; sister-in-law, Marilyn Skinner, Mississauga, Ont; former wife, Jean Robertson, Timberlea; brother-in-law, Dugald MacKillop. He is also survived by 4 nieces and 12 nephews, whose visits brightened his day whenever he saw them. Step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Wendy (Dave) MacDonald, Marble Mountain and their children, Kendra (Blake) and Bradley (Kina); Lynn (Gary) Scanlan, Whiteside and their children, Nathan, Darian and Abby; Phyllis (David) Wyler, Port Hastings and their children, Matthew, Samantha, Jessica and Victoria; Tracey MacDonald, Yucaipa, California; Dawn MacDonald, Fall River and her children, Matea and Lexi; Darren (Michelle) MacDonald, Windsor and their children, Rylan, Jeremy and Lindsay. Mervyn was predeceased by his parents, James and Catherine Skinner; brother, Clarence Skinner; brothers-in-law, Andrew MacDonald, Morris Marshall and Donald MacKillop; nephews, Richard Marshall and Steven Skinner. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by request. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 from West Bay United Church with Rev. Donna Lovelace officiating. Burial in West Bay Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Mervyn may be made to Richmond Villa Recreation Dept. or to West Bay United Church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com "Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and forever dear" Visitation Information Visitation No Visitation by Request Service Information Service Date Tuesday, December 27, 2016 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location West Bay United Church Burial Information Burial Date At a later date Burial Location West Bay Cemetery