It is with a VERY broken heart we advise that Harry Skates passed away February 17, 2025 at the age of 84. Harry was a bigger than life character who loved to talk, be silly and make people laugh. He was famous for answering “Fantastic” or “Jolly Good” whenever asked how he was doing as he had an unwavering positive attitude in life that was frankly quite amazing. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchild! He was a handyman and gardening extraordinaire who never saw a problem, only a solution; he could fix anything. 

Harry LOVED his dogs and had several over the last 20 years that he and his wife, Rachelle Skates, would pamper and spoil rotten. Up until the age of 80, he walked everyday with his dogs 8-10 km either at Pitt Lake Dykes, Minnekhada or Golden Ears trails. Harry took very good care of himself; he was disciplined, structured and never let his life get out of control.  He was by no means a softie though…his icon was Clint Eastwood’s character “Dirty Harry”. He loved to say “Go ahead make my day” and he meant it. We used to say, "Don’t mess with Grandpa!"

Harry was fit and strong up until the end but sadly dementia got a hold of him and put him in long term care for his last year and half of life. In honour of Harry, if you are lucky enough to be asked how you are doing, please say you are “Fantastic” and mean it!