With Ed’s passing, we lose a true original, the ‘real deal’ some might say. He was born and raised on Lake Rosseau in Windermere to parents, the late Bill and Bessie Skinner. Ed lived a full life, achieving many of his dreams while always doing things ‘his way’. His grit, determination, and tenacity through life’s challenges-including the loss of his beloved wife and partner Linda in 2021 and his health struggles-were truly inspiring. Ed never gave up. He constantly made plans for what came next, right until the end. He will be loved and missed by his sisters Anne Wretham and Shirley Elliott, sisters-in-law Catherine Lodge and Jessie Mason (Jerry), as well as his numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Ed had an amazing group of loyal friends who stood by him through thick and thin. They shared countless stories filled with lake and boating memories that they cherished together. His extensive knowledge of Muskoka and the boat building industry was legendary; he was always the ‘go-to guy’ for anything related to regional history or boats-a detail-oriented storyteller who captivated everyone with great tales. During the 1960s/70s and in the early days of ACBS Toronto, Ed played a vital role in reigniting passion for wooden boats in Muskoka. His top passions were: 1. The late Linda Alice Skinner 2. Travel-once both he and Linda retired, they sailed around the world before continuing their travels extensively 3. Old wooden boats, especially his prized 1925 Ditchburn Neptune-Ed’s boat without a name-which wasn’t just a beautiful creation made from mahogany planks but truly meant everything to him after Linda; he purchased it back in 1963. In 1957, Ed left Muskoka for Toronto where he worked at Northern Telecom then later at Bell Canada. He met Linda in downtown Toronto at Bell during the early ’70s; they married in 1974. In 1977 he partnered with R. Terry to buy Dukes Boat Works in Port Carling before bringing his new bride back to Muskoka so they could live out their dream together there. Known for their dedication to authenticity and quality work, Duke’s Boatworks restorations by Ed and his skilled team became highly sought after praises from many clients over time until Dukes closed its doors in 2009 allowing both Linda & Ed ample opportunities for new adventures ahead.
See you in the wake on the lake Captain Eddie!
Visitation will take place at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge on Friday August 29 from 5-7pm followed by a Funeral Service along with Reception held at Christ Church Windermere on Saturday August 30 from11am till1:30pm. Interment shall follow suit at Ullswater Cemetery. A Celebration honoring Ed’s Life is scheduledfor Friday October10from1to4pmatthe Canadian Raceboat Hallof Fame. Donationsmadein Ed’sname can go towardsacharitableorganizationofyourchoiceor Andy’s House Hospicein Port Carling.
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