Russ Skayman

RUSSELL (RUSS) SKAYMAN passed away in Hamiota on July 6th, 2021 at the age of 88 after a short illness.

He was born in Hamiota to Lorne and Vera Skayman on April 3, 1933.  On October 26, 1955, he married Janice Rosenberger of Decker.  They raised a family of two sons and one daughter while farming in the Lavinia area.  Farming was Russ’s passion, he looked forward to getting the seeds in the ground and then waiting for harvest, his favourite time of year. He loved combining and started to do this at age 12 with his dad and every year thereafter. Russ was ahead of his time with the knowledge and skill he used, and the farm showed it.  He was very mechanical and there were very few repairs he couldn’t do himself.  Russ loved sports and will be remembered for his pitching ability on many local ball teams.  Hockey was his favourite sport, playing centre and winning most of the face-offs!  When his playing days were over, he took up golf and loved socializing with friends on the course.  When not on the golf course he enjoyed watching all ages, especially his grandchildren playing ball or hockey.  Most winter nights Russ and his buddies were on the road to watch another hockey game. Russ collected and restored many antique Farmall tractors and particularly liked to show them off at local fair parades.   Russ and Janice enjoyed travelling and visited over 40 different countries.  Camping was a favourite summer activity making many new friends along the way.

Russ was predeceased by his parents Lorne and Vera Skayman, brother Wilf Skayman, sisters Viola Ellard and Muriel Mackie.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice of 65 years, children Murray (Jeannine), Dallas (Chris) and Sharon (Mike Koepke), grandchildren Stephanie (Brandin), Darcy (Jenna), Kyle (Danika), Blair (Lynn), Eric (Tamara), Brenden and Kristopher; great grandchildren Colden, Nyla, Ryker, Dominic and Celeste, sister-in-law, Vera Skayman and many nieces and nephews.  Russ will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

We are deeply grateful to everyone during this very difficult time for your kindness and concern for our family. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Hamiota Health Centre for the wonderful care Russ received. It will always be remembered by the Skayman family.