Paul George Skinner (13 May 1942 - 2 Sep 2020)

In loving memory of Paul George Skinner who sadly passed away on 2nd September 2020

Paul was born in Lee, Lewisham on 13th May 1942 as the only child of George and Dorothy, and moved to Eastwood, Leigh on Sea soon afterwards, in order to escape the bombings in London. Shortly after Paul was born, Dorothy was diagnosed with TB and spent the first 4 years of Paul’s life in hospital in Kent, with only rare visits allowed. Whilst George was working in Hayes Wharf throughout the Second World War, Paul was lovingly cared for by his 2 Aunties, Grace and Gertie who lived a few doors away from George. This close bond between the three siblings and Paul remained strong after Dorothy’s return, and continued throughout their whole lives. This gave Paul an idyllic childhood, which was further enhanced when his cousin Stephen was born. Stephen and his wife Frances have remained close to Paul throughout Paul’s life.

Paul went to Eastwood Junior School and then onto Westcliff High School for Boys where he met his friends Tony Ewing and Nigel Robinson, and they remained the best of friends their whole lives.

After leaving school, he started work in the City of London at Hammonds, working as a Lloyd’s of London Insurance Broker. He had already met Marie by this time, and in 1967 they married at St Helens Church, Westcliff on Sea. They bought their first house in Eastwood and in 1969 Clare was born. They moved to Leigh on Sea in 1971 and Annette was born in 1973.

Paul enjoyed many sports, and particularly enjoyed playing football, cricket, squash and latterly tennis. During his youth he played football for Rangers Sports and cricket for The Old Westcliffians, and through his love of sport he met many other good friends. In Paul’s latter years, the beers took precedence over the sport; nonetheless sport remained central to his socialising, and he fondly became known as “Pub-time Paul”.

Pubs were a focal point throughout his life, whether it was sealing a big insurance deal in the City over a pint, or a welcome water hole during long walk with friends and family. Paul loved the simple things in life, and was always content with his lot. This was one of his greatest attributes. He loved spending time with his family, and was a fun Grandpa to Elizabeth, James, David and Isabelle, and a particular highlight for Paul was his holiday with them to Australia in 2004.

Unfortunately, in February 2014, his happy years of retirement were cut short after suffering a severe stroke. He showed great bravery and resilience throughout the 6 1/2 years, and with dignity and good humour accepted his resulting disabilities. His close friends continued to visit him every week, playing cards and dominoes whilst having a beer together, and we would like to particularly thank Nigel, John, and Geoff for their weekly visits. There is no doubt that this meant a lot to both Paul and his family.

He died on 2nd September, with his family at his side, at Mountdale Nursing Home in Leigh. The staff here were truly wonderful, caring and kind, and felt like extended family, and we will be eternally grateful for their comfort and support, not just to Paul, but to Marie, Clare and Annette too.

We have been overwhelmed by the number of cards and letters that people have sent to us in recent days, which have lifted our spirits with their stories about Paul, many of which were new to us and showed his fun side.

Paul had a very special bond with his granddaughter Isabelle, who was born at The Evelina Children’s Hospital at St Thomas’s, London and continues to be supported by them. They provide world class care for sick children, and knowing how much Isabelle meant to Paul, we have chosen this wonderful charity for any kind donations.