Book of Memories for Lawrence "Larry" Skitch

Condolence From Jane MacArthur/McLaughlin

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:55:10 EDT

I already sent a condolence and then went back to the website and viewed the wonderful video tribute. Larry taught me Chemistry - or tried to. Later I went to Central Tech in Toronto, after we were married, and got my Grade 13 Chemistry Credit. I remember coming home from night school and saying to Jamie "now I see what Mr Skitch was talking about, it all makes sense!!!!". I had trouble learning, not because of your Dad but, because of all the BOYS in the class!!!! It was lovely to see all the photos and to see his kids and dogs. My Mom and Dad knew Larry from Thurstonia, Lindsay and Fenelon Falls (Myrtle & Ken MacArthur) I am sure they were there to welcome him home. Seems strange to think of Fenelon Falls without Larry Skitch. Jane MacArthur

Condolence From Debbie Jones Stacey

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:51:45 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time. I have so many wonderful memories of high school days and Mr. Skitch - When he wasn't in the office talking to the "skippers", he was often in the music room, joking with Mr. Nicholson or practising for the teacher's band. I remember him filling in for Mr. Whittick at a time when I really needed guidance and support, and he was so understanding. I feel fortunate to have had a chance to talk to him again a couple of years ago at a choral event. He was certainly an inspiration to many students and will leave a lasting mark on the Fenelon community!

Condolence From Jane MacArthur McLaughlin

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:18:03 EDT

Our sincere sympathy to Mr Skitch's family. He was one of my favourite teachers. One who will not be forgotten as is apparent from all the tributes being sent. We had good times at FFHS and Mr Skitch helped make that happen. Jane and Jamie McLaughlin

Condolence From Jim Brough

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:14:11 EDT

Larry, though we only knew you for a short time our office was always brighter when you popped in to say hello. We are going to miss your lively spirit and hearty laugh. Our deepest sympathies to Shirley Thamer and family and the Skitch family. Jim Brough and Karen Willette

Condolence From Jim Brown

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:16:22 EDT

Larry and I go back a long way both in education and through music. He often joined my choirs or musical events and over the years we developed a very strong rapport. When I came to be the Music Co-ordinator for the Victoria County Board of Education, Larry was one of my best contacts for the schools and he encouraged me to develop a new vocal program for the elementary schools of the Board. Shirley and Larry and so many friends here in Fenelon Falls had a close relationship and I have many fond memories of some "great" parties together. Larry will be sorely missed but he will always live on in our hearts.

Condolence From Samantha Brenchley

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:43:51 EDT

Shirley and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of all the times our family spent with Larry over the years, between the tennis matches, fishing expiditions, dinners, swimming...he was a wonderful person, and he'll be missed greatly. All my love, Samantha

Condolence From Michelle Neumayer

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:38:39 EDT

Shirley, we are saddened to hear about Larry and will miss him greatly. He was an amazing, warm hearted person who made us feel so welcome whenever we visited. I loved his sense of humour and his laugh but most of all we will miss his hugs as he greeted us at the door. Love Michelle, Norm, Amelia and Claire

Condolence From Brian and Caroline Carpenter

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:59:31 EDT

We are very sorry for your loss. Know you are in our thoughts. Brian and Caroline Carpenter

Condolence From Joan Cole Todd

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:37:08 EDT

Dear Shirley and Family: My sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.

Condolence From Garnet Brenchley

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:17:15 EDT

I'm so sorry to hear about Larry passing on. He was very kind, generous, fair, level-headed, and an incredibly good person who was always very good to my family and I. I will always remember the many tennis outings, fishing, working on the dock, his strength, and his laughter. And he was a calming, comfortable presence when I was at FFSS. I thought the world of Larry...can't say enough good about him. Please accept my deepest condolences. GB

Condolence From Janice Bown

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:11:36 EDT

Skitch and Thamer Family's Dear Shirley, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Muffy,Bob,Janice Bown

Story shared: Memories of "Mr. Skitch"

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:44:40 EDT

I seem to recall that at FFSS in the 1970's the Vice Principal's office was generally a place to be feared because it was apprently home to the "enforcer" or "bad cop" (to Russ' "good cop"), and I therefore avoided it and stayed on the straight and narrow. Too bad, because truth be told, Mr. Skitch was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed playing in the teachers' band with my Dad, and who was his friend. My fear however may have come from an earlier incident from the summer of 1970 when I was all of 8 years old. We had moved out of our old home on the main street (which would later be occupied by Paul Haines' family) and rented the McGinnis' home across the street from the Skitch household while our new home was nearing completion on Church St. One day my brother Jamie got into our Dodge in the driveway, pressed the 'N' button on the dash and exited the vehicle while he watched it roll across the street and right through the neighbour's hedge, stopping short of the house. Jamie was in fear of Dad's wrath, while I was afraid that Dad would be fired by 'his boss'. Neither of course happened, but I never forgot the event, and would later learn to laugh at it. I never saw Larry's reaction, but I'll bet it was priceless.

Condolence From John Kerr & Family

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:12:13 EDT

Dear Skitch Family, We are very sad to hear of Larry's passing. He was always such a kind and friendly person, and I will never forget his smile and the wonderful stories he told at my Dad's funeral last year. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your faith and memories comfort you, now and always. God Bless, John Kerr & Family

Condolence From Terrilee (Quibell) Walek

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:07:54 EDT

Ken, Jeff, Shirley, Steve & Jay, and families. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I remember Mr. Skitch from even prior to Grade 1. He was a wonderful man and has left an imprint on my life and as well many others' lives. I knew if I had any problems in high school that I could go to see him at any time and he was always there to help. Many times he would call in the summer and ask me to go to the school and help him out with the typing, etc. for the Curling Club and preparing for their next season, always kind, always a gentleman. He had faith in me that I could do the job right and quickly, therefore helping me in building my self-esteem and also in my future career choices. He will be sorely missed in the community I am sure. Farewell Mr. Skitch, thank you for everything!

Story shared: Long Time Producer

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:47:49 EDT

Larry produced many school musical productions over the years at FFSS. When I joined the staff in 1981, I got involved in working backstage in his productions usually in properties with Jim Saigeon. We always had a great time. The best memory was the after party for Brigadoon which Larry and Shirley hosted. The Sword Dance over crossed staff bodies was the highlight. Another time, we borrowed Milt's lectern for a production and it went to Larry's after party with us and on Monday it was deposited in Larrys's office for Milt to discover. I always remeber Larry getting all sorts of different staff members to work together in harmony, which considering all the different personalities was no small feat. When Larry retired he gave me all his stuff about musicals and I produced a number of them as well.

Photo shared: Larry Skitch

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 15:00:31 EDT

Photo shared: Skitch2.JPG

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:58:20 EDT