Peter M. Skinner

I am the oldest kid of the McDonald clan who lived next door to Pete when he lived up on Brimfield Road in Monson and would love to share a few fond memories I had growing up next door to Pete, Hillary and Garrett back in the 1970's and early 80's.

Pete used to pay give me a new, never been used $5.00 bill which I thought was so cool to babysit Hillary and Garrett when they were small. Whenever I'd get to go over on a Saturday night to sit, Pete would go to leave,get to his car, come back into the house every time and say with a twinkle in his eye that he forgot to show me where their most important treasure was...the candy stash followed by him saying "have at it kid" with a wink. He made me feel so important I knew he knew my mom didn't allow sugar at our house but here I was with the keys to the kingdom and Pete's blessing. Still makes me smile to this day. He made me feel important, like I mattered. What I never told him was I would have babysat just for the candy!

There was a swamp puddle between our two homes and all year round the 4 of us McDonald kids would play and meet neighborhood kids there...the Young's, the Nadeau's, the McCarthy boys. Our dog Spanky was forever swimming in that muddy puddle in the summer and would just stink to high heaven. My brother's Tommy and Jason would sling muddy fallen leaves and anyone around would have to duck as they'd call out "incoming!". They called this sport fishing. In winter Tommy split his lip trying to "sneaker skate". Danny McCarthy who lived across the street from Pete would set booby traps all around that place with sticks and rocks. My brother Jason would build forts and fake fires (fake thank goodness). Emily cried one day when her moon boots broke through the ice and got all wet when she tried to moon walk across it in late autumn. It was a magical little place, our version of a playground. Sometimes us kids would get lucky and a mom or dad would haul us all to Deans Pond up the road for real swimming. We called "our pond" Pete's Pond and there were no rules and it was awesome to a pack of kids under 10.

Pete was kind to our family and would mow up to his property line and then swing around our mailbox and help our lawn out on his way back home. In winter...he'd snow blow (we only had shovels) that heavy snow down by the road whenever he could for us. As I got older, I always appreciated not having to have to do that little area.

Thanks Pete for helping the McDonald kids with our chores and honking your horn and wave to us when you'd drive by. Again, it made us feel important and not just like kids. We all loved that about you!

I would like to thank you Pete so very much for teaching me the art of how to be a good neighbor through your example in this life. Thank you for being a part of my magical childhood up on Brimfield Road. For letting us play on your pond and make all that noise! Thank you for the extra effort to give me NEW money, for the candy. For helping us get rid of scary snakes out of yard...for letting our cat stay and have her kittens in your wood pile. Thank you for being YOU!

I wish you all the very best on this new adventure. May your world always be filled with Light, Love and Laughter and may sweet Hillary and kind Garrett know the same. Thank you neighbor for poppin' by!

Until we meet again Pete...(beep-beep and a wave)have a wonder- FULL journey!

With infinite love and gratitude,
"Shelly McDonald"

May you rest in peace Peter. You are with the angels now and I know you are looking down upon your beautiful family and watching over them. We shared a lot of laughs, smiles and wonderful times together with family and that is something I will never forget. You were one of the most wonderful and caring men I have a ever met and you will forever be loved and missed. It is with a very heavy heart and tears running down my face that I say goodbye . Love and miss ya always !

Lighting a candle in memory of a person who I knew so many years ago and sending condolences and kind thoughts to Garrett, Hillary and Regina.

My father was the most amazing man I ever met. I miss him more and more as the days pass. He will remain in my thoughts daily with wonderful memories. I appreciate all the support my family and friends have provided throughout this difficult time. Dad, I love you always.

We send our thoughts and love to the Skinner Family. We were neighbors of Pete in Monson when our children were young. Pete was a wonderful neighbor and always had a smile to share with us. We are so grateful for Pete touching our lives.

The McDonald clan sends our condolences to Papa Pete's family. He will be missed, but remembered with love and memories of his awesomeness. His amazing journey continues from this world to the next. Love to the Skinner family and all friends who mourn Papa Pete's departure.

Regina, Hillary, and Garrett, you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Know that your father is very proud of your accomplishments and will be with you always.

Lighting this candle for you Mr Pete may it always shine as bright as you did . Cheers to you on your final journey until we all meet again . Your light will always shine through your amazing kids and your beautiful wife . Will miss you .

Papa Pete, May your spirit linger in the islands of St Croix under sunny skies, dancing on cool ocean breezes, under the hot Caribbean sun, drifting to the sounds of your favorite melodies... You will be forever missed.

Dear Reg,
It is with great sorrow that we send you our sincere sympathy for the loss of your Husband, Peter. We hope that the many happy memories you shared will help sustain you during this difficult time. Love, Lynn and Russ

Dear Reg, Hill and Garr...Lighting this candle for Peter, your Dad, may he find peace in the afterlife. All who knew Peter will miss him, as will Russ and me. We send our sympathy to all three of you and our best love.

My condolances to the skinner family.
I had worked with Pete at Alpha Oil,he was an interesting person, at work or socially Pete was good for great conversation and laughter

Remembering fond memories of the good times we had during our teen years and your wonderful smile and friendship.

We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of this great man. Our prayers are with you all during this time. I am however extremely grateful that Garrett and Jessica have been brought into our lives and have become such a blessing to our little family. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Skinner, I am honored to know his son, and see the remarkable man he has grown to be. We love you all so very much, and continue to keep you in our thoughts.

Deepest sympathies and condolences to the Skinner family. God bless you Pete.

Regina and family, I am so sorry to hear about Peter. I'm thinking about you and sending prayers.
Love you,
Patricia

My your memories of Peter sustain you all during this difficult time. Please know that we are with you. Lynn and Rick McNamara

Regina I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I miss you my lovexxoo reg

I love and miss you my loveregxxoo

Rest in peace Peter. I have many fond memories like when you took me on my first motorcycle ride and going to dog shows with you. Prayers and thoughts of you and your loved ones, especially your beautiful children, Hillary and Garrett who love you so, may they find peace and strength at this most difficult time.

We knew Peter during our "teen years " we always remember him in this way.His smile, his humor,his friendship,continue to leave such a happy and loving memory.

to Regina,&family,we are so sorry for your loss.we are keeping you in our prayers at this difficult time.love Paula&Barry,&sherry.

Regina,
DB and I were saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I will miss sharing our "political outrages" through our emails. You, Garrett and Hillary are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,

I'm lighting this candle for you dad. May it forever glow to represent your spirit and legacy. I love you. Your loving son, Garr. xoxoxo

Dad, you mean absolutely everything in the world to me. You made me the man that I have become and it's been nothing shy of perfection for me to follow in your footsteps. May you rest in peace and know that you are my guiding light in the skies above. I love you forever and always, infinitely. Love, your son, Garr.