LONDON, Ont.—A notable architect and developer based in London, Ont., Paul Skinner passed away Sept. 22 at the age of 80.
Skinner’s career started in Toronto and by 1974 he had moved to London and founded Paul M. Skinner Architect. Notable projects included the CNR train station, the London Courthouse, the London City Centre tritower complex, 3M Headquarters and Victoria Hospital, with his design of Thompson Arena at Western University, which had Canada’s first cable-hung suspension roof, earning special recognition.
As a developer, his obituary noted, Skinner “designed and built commercial buildings and award-winning residential areas noted for their crystal-like forms of sloping glass, natural materials and connection to nature.”
Born Oct. 3, 1940 in Port Credit, Ont., representing the third generation of builders, Skinner showed an early interest in designing and building water skis and motorboats for the Port Credit River and summers in Lake Rosseau.
Skinner graduated from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1965 and went to work for Parkin Architect and Clifford & Lawrie Architects in Toronto where he worked on the design team for the Manulife Centre before moving to London.
Skinner was the husband of Patricia Ann Skinner, his wife of 60 years, and father to Robert, Bradley and Suzette. His death was peaceful. A private funeral service for family was to be held in London on Sept. 24.
Through four decades, Paul’s work had a profound effect on the built environment in Southwestern Ontario. He partnered with David Stevens to design the London Courthouse, and founded Paul M. Skinner Architect in 1974, to design London City Centre tri-tower complex. Paul’s design for Western University’s, Thompson Arena showcased Canada’s first cable hung suspension roof. Other large commissions include 3M Headquarters and Victoria Hospital. In addition to his prodigious architectural output Paul ventured into development. He designed and built commercial buildings and award-winning residential areas noted for their crystal-like forms of sloping glass, natural materials and connection to nature. His custom houses dot the regional landscape, most notably along the Thames River, where he built his family homes.
Paul approached life with imagination and determination. He held a deep devotion to family. ‘Summerplace’, the Lake Huron cottage named after the film Paul and Patricia saw on their first date, and their winter get-away overlooking Sarasota Bay, served as hubs for family sports and social activities. Paul was the life of the party. He loved nature and was rarely without a dog or two by his side. He remained positive, even through an extended illness. He will be deeply missed.
Noted London architect Paul Skinner dead at 80
LONDON, Ont.—A notable architect and developer based in London, Ont., Paul Skinner passed away Sept. 22 at the age of 80.
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