Eric Skillins of Lagoon City at the age of 72 years, passed away on August 8, 2023 after a happy,
successful life. Much loved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend
and colleague.
Eric was born on May 19, 1951 to Sammy and Nick Skillins. After Eric graduated from Williams
High School in Aurora, he went on to study with a full hockey scholarship at Cornell University
in Ithaca New York, and after graduating in 1974, he attended Western University in London,
ON to obtain his MBA.
After many years as a successful corporate banker with Toronto Dominion Bank, in Toronto and
New York, Eric then started his career in real estate, most recently with Royal LePage where he
found his tribe – colleagues who valued his ethics, humour, positive attitude and success.
In 1983, Eric and Sue met at Toronto Dominion Bank and built a deep friendship over 4 years, as
co-workers and members of a wonderful corporate banking team. They eventually married in
1987 and were blessed to build their family; Katie (Kat), Ali (Ryan) and Nick. He will be sadly
missed by his loving grandchildren, Charlotte and Sophia.
Eric is survived by his beloved brothers, Gunar and Peter (Cyndy) – his lifelong best friends. He
will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Never seeing full retirement as something he would want; always wanting purpose in his life, he
continued his real estate career with Royal LePage and enjoyed playing hockey and golf with
friends. Eric and Sue spent much of their time together kayaking, swimming, biking, walking,
skating and cross-country skiing. Eric had a passion for volunteering with Welcome Table. He
spent many Wednesdays with a group of volunteers at Trinity Anglican, offering great quality dinners to anyone in
need in the community.
A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at Trinity Anglican Church (79 Victoria Street, Aurora) on
Wednesday, August 16 th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be
made directly to “Welcoming Arms” at Trinity Anglican Church (please note "for Welcome Table
in honor of Eric Skillins" )
Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York (2-15236 Yonge Street, Aurora) and
condolences may be forwarded through www.peacefultransition.ca
Carol Taplin
Posted on: Saturday, August 12, 2023My Sincere Condolences to Eric’s Wife and Family. Eric worked with us at Royal LePage Your Community Realty at the Aurora Office. Whenever I attended one of Eric’s Open Houses he was always Professional, Friendly, Courteous, had all of the information we needed and always answered all of our questions confidently. All wonderful traits we strive for. Eric was my “go-to” person for properties on Lake Simcoe as he and Sue had recently moved there. Eric absolutely loved it and always talked about it. He would show us photo’s of his new home and talk about the view of the Lake and how calming it was. In this crazy, busy world, Eric would always remind us of the beautiful sunsets on Lake Simcoe. Rest in Peace Eric.
Jackie Beresford
Posted on: Saturday, August 12, 2023Our hearts are broken over the loss of Eric. Sincere condolences to the entire family. He was a wonderful, kind man. Always laughing and smiling. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. RIP dear Eric. Gone but never forgotten.
Love Jackie, Dan, Leah, Michael and Samantha
Robert Turner
Posted on: Sunday, August 13, 2023Eric (Ricky to us) was in our study group at Ivey Business School and became a wonderful friend post graduation. Just a few weeks ago a classmate suggested a “get together” lunch in downtown Toronto and Ricky was one of the first to say “I’m in.” I was fortunate enough to offer him a ride back to his car left at the train station in Aurora. We had a great time reflecting on recent events and how proud he was of the ethics he brought to the real estate business AND how much he loved his family, with great stories about his grandchildren who he cherished like “you would not believe.” We planned our next get together in the Fall and hoped for a golf game before that. Eric, you will be missed! It is not fair that the really good people die so young!! See you some day my friend!!!!
Arthur Wenk
Posted on: Sunday, August 13, 2023I have had the privilege of knowing Eric not only as neighbour and friend but also as a fellow board member of our condo association. His good humour and willingness to see the light side of some of intractable issues with which we have had to deal contributed to the harmony in which our board has been fortunate to operate. I shall miss Eric and his ready smile when we would see each other in our day-to-day activities. All my sympathies go to Sue and others whom Eric has left behind.
Glenn Sisman
Posted on: Sunday, August 13, 2023Such great memories of you “Ric”. Thank you for being such a skilled, enthusiastic and talented teammate and friend. Sharing the ice, the ball diamond and the soccer field with you was a privilege. I will forever remember your passion for hockey and baseball, but the best part was having you and your family right next door. Walking to the newly constructed Aurora Community Centre together on those cold winter Thursday nights to play midget hockey gave us a lot of time to discuss life and our hockey dreams and futures. You are forever remembered. Prayers for you and your family.
Glenn and Nancy Sisman
Burlington ON
Paul Spafford
Posted on: Monday, August 14, 2023Ric was a wonderful individual that I met at Businesss school in the early 70’s and our friendship continued until his passing which is a huge shock. Ric was always the athlete and active sports particpant throughout is life so it doesn’t seem fair that he should be the one leaving us at such a young age. Several of us old B-school colleagues had the good fortune to spend time with Ric just a few weeks ago at a luncheon. He was classic Ric, freindly, happy, smilling and telling stories about his family, especially his grandkids whom he adored. It is all very sad. My sincere condo;emces to Sue, his kids and grandkids. It is a huge loss and we will all miss him.
Hugh Alcorn
Posted on: Monday, August 14, 2023So sad to hear about Eric. He was one of the nicest guys ever and was always positive and would have interest in your life. Eric was a great ball player and I had the privilege of playing two years on the same team Aurora Chrysler. We went everywhere and won quite a bit. I had the best time growing up with Eric and the guys. Scotch was always within arms reach and I have great memories and good laughs. RIP Eric. Hughie.
Jack Mulchinock
Posted on: Tuesday, August 15, 2023My deepest condolences to Eric’s wife and family. I played hockey with Eric for many years and he was a great teammate and a very good player. We will all miss him.
Jack Mulchinock
Ron Weese
Posted on: Tuesday, August 15, 2023Eric and I have known each other for years in Aurora. His love of sport and appreciation for healthy, active living was always an interesting discussion. I enjoyed his humour and company whenever we met. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues who will all miss his presence in our collective lives. Aurora has lost one of the very best. RIP friend. Gone way too soon.
Bob Keys
Posted on: Tuesday, August 15, 2023So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Condolences to brothers Gunar and Peter, his closest friends.
I remeber him as always positive and quick play a little joke on others; all in good fun.
Pretty good hockey player too!
John Ambrose
Posted on: Tuesday, August 15, 2023My sincerest condolences to Ric’s family. Going to Western for MBA was about learning with others. Ric was this to me. He had a gentle humour that will be part of me. I am glad to be in the golfing buddies picture in Paul’s note. I will miss Ric’s compassion and people sensitivity. His steady and smooth golf swing was a metaphor of his life. I shall pray for Ric’s family and give thanks for knowing him.
John Ambrose
Kevin Sampson
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2023To Sue, Katie, Allie, and Nick,
Our hearts were crushed when we heard the news of Eric’s passing. From 1988, when we first met and you moved into your home across the street in Huntington, NY, you brought fun and laughter into our lives and brightened our days. I recall with great fondness watching our families grow side by side. I remember the joy Eric had when he told me how he was so thrilled to play hockey with the retired Islander players during the week in the evenings. These were the same players who had won four Stanley Cups in the early 80’s. Finally, Eric was my friend and, although life took us on different paths and you all returned to Canada, we miss you and think of you often.
A nicer man there never was. With deepest regrets, Kevin, Maureen, Andrew, Megan, Mary Kate, and Jack
Danny and Debbie Kornhauser
Posted on: Thursday, August 17, 2023We were so sad to hear of Eric’s passing. We last saw him a few weeks ago and he seemed his usual self, full of energy and optimism. He spoke of how much he loved his work because he was helping people to find their new homes and build their futures. That is the way we will always remember him. We appreciated how he devoted himself to our community as a board member for the condominium. We feel very privileged to have called him a friend and neighbour and we will miss his great smile and gentle manner.
Our wishes for Sue and the whole family are that you find comfort in the wonderful memories you made with him and the love and support of each other. Sending our warmest regards, Danny and Debbie
Ottavio and Sandy Esposito
Posted on: Thursday, August 24, 2023I am shocked to read about Eric’s passing. We worked with Eric professionally over the past few years.
He was a professional and truly delightful to work with. He had a great sense of humour and was a good conversationalist. Always enjoyed chatting with him.
He has gone far too early.
To his family, we offer our condolences on their loss. The world has lost a terrific human being!
Ottavio and Sandy Esposito
Don Horn
Posted on: Monday, April 1, 2024Ric and I worked together at the Jersey shore in the summer of 1968. We were good friends at Cornell that unfortunately drifted apart post graduation.
Remember his good humor, sincerity and kind heart. May you rest in peace Ric.