OBITUARY: Wilfred Brian SKIDMORE (1931-2024)

On April 26, 2024, Wilfred Brian Skidmore, age 93, died at Saint Brigid’s Home, Quebec. Originally from Bramhall, England, he lived in Quebec City.

Son of the late Wilfred Bennett Skidmore and the late Olive Royle, he was predeceased by his first wife Ruby Doddridge Mowatt Robertson, his second wife Henriette Marie Jolicoeur (André Mainguy), his sister Olive Beryl (late Paul Hofmeyr) and his brother Duncan Royle (late Edith B.I. Ingle).

Brian leaves to mourn his nephew, nieces and their families: David and Elizabeth Skidmore in England; Louise, Jane, Sally and Penny Hofmeyr in South Africa; as well as the Robertson and Mainguy families and many friends.

A geologist from McGill and Princeton universities, while exploring the Gaspé he discovered a trilobite fossil which today bears his name. Most of his career was with the Québec Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Fôrets. 

A scientist, scholar, thespian, singer and caregiver, we remember him for his love of the outdoors, active community life and quiet wit with a twinkle in his eye. Brian was foremost a true gentleman and highly cultured friend.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Chalmers-Wesley United Church, 78 Rue Sainte-Ursule, Quebec, Quebec, G1R 4E8.

We are grateful to his many caregivers, especially Dr. Stéphane Rioux, the staff of the Jeffery Hale Day Centre and Saint Brigid’s, and friends Marcelle Landry, Ghislaine Rousseau, Jeanne Chambers, Lidwina and John Winterson, Kevin Menzies and Eline Brock.

Memorial donations to Chalmers-Wesley United Church, Greenpeace Canada and UNHCR Canada will be appreciated.