William Edward "Ed" Skinner

With Ed’s passing we lose an original, the ‘real deal’ some would say. Born and raised on Lake Rosseau, in Windermere, to parents the late Bill and Bessie Skinner. Ed lived a full, rich life, accomplishing so many of his goals, always doing things ‘his way’. His grit, determination and tenacity throughout life challenges, the loss of beloved wife and life partner Linda in 2021, his health battles, were remarkable. Ed never gave up. He was always making a plan for the next step, on to the next goal, right until the end. Loved and will be missed by Sisters Anne Wretham, Shirley Elliott, Sister-in laws Catherine Lodge, Jessie Mason (Jerry), his many nieces, nephews and extended family. Ed had an incredible group of loyal, life-long friends. They shared so many great stories, all tangled up with lake and boating memories. They were always there for him. His extensive knowledge of Muskoka and the boat building industry of the Region was legendary. He was the ‘go to guy’ for all things related to the history of the Region and the boats; a detail guy who told great stories. Throughout the 1960’s/70’s and the early days of ACBS Toronto, Ed was instrumental in igniting the spark for the resurgence and passion of wooden boats in Muskoka. His passions were, in this order: 1. The late Linda Alice Skinner 2. Travel. Once both he and Linda retired they sailed a world cruise and continued to travel extensively. 3. Old Wooden boats, especially his 1925 Ditchburn Neptune, Ed’s boat with no name. This was not just a masterpiece designed configuration of mahogany planks that float. This was truly, other than Linda, his most prized possession. It was purchased in 1963. Ed left Muskoka and headed for Toronto in 1957. While there he worked for Northern Telecom then later Bell Canada. He met Linda in the early 1970’s at Bell, downtown Toronto where they both worked. They married in 1974. In 1977 he and partner R. Terry purchased Dukes Boat Works in Port Carling. He then brought his young bride back to his beloved Muskoka to live out their dream. Known for their commitment to authenticity and quality, Duke’s Boatworks restorations by Ed and his talented team were sought after and highly acclaimed. Dukes closed its doors in 2009, enabling Linda and Ed to both set out on new adventures.

See you in the wake on the lake Captain Eddie!

Visitation at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge on Friday, August 29, from 5-7pm. Funeral Service and Reception at Christ Church in Windermere, on Saturday, August 30, from 11am to 1:30pm. Interment to follow at Ullswater Cemetery. A Celebration of Ed’s Life will take place at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, on Saturday, October 10, from 1-4pm. Donations in Ed’s honour to a charity of your choice or to Andy's House Hospice in Port Carling.