Obituary of Hazel Melroy SKINNER

August 10, 1928 - Togo, Saskatchewan

May 22, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hazel Skinner of Calgary, AB on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the age 92 years.

Hazel was born August 10, 1928 in Togo, SK to Dorothy and William Rodgers. She grew up on a farm outside Durban, MB, alongside her older brother Bill and younger sister Betty, during the era of the Great Depression. Hazel’s childhood was a happy one, despite the challenges of the times. She was a hard worker, a keen student and a quick study. Much of her time outside of school was spent tending to the chores of the farm but her interest in music was piqued after hearing a saxophone performance on the family radio.  Through perseverance and determination, Hazel taught herself how to play the saxophone, piano and later in life, the clarinet. Her Saturday nights in Durban were spent playing the saxophone in the local dance band.

Hazel left Durban for the bright lights of Saskatoon where she attended the University of Saskatchewan and earned a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. After accepting an offer of employment from the Colonel Belcher Hospital in Calgary, Hazel ventured west. She dedicated herself to leading various research projects, often working closely with the pathology department, and established herself as a respected researcher within the hospital community. She found the work fascinating and rewarding and maintained an active interest in medical issues throughout her life.

After settling into her career in Calgary, with what little free time she had, Hazel loved to spend it outdoors, particularly in the mountains. It was on a winter morning that Hazel was hitch-hiking on the corner of 17 Ave. and 7 St. SW, trying to find a way to the ski hill with her seven-foot-long skis, when Don Skinner pulled up, coincidentally with the same plan. From that first encounter came weekends in the mountains either skating, hiking or skiing. One of Hazel’s favorite places was Lake O’Hara, where she, Don and friends spent every Labor Day weekend hiking and fishing for many years. They were married in 1958 and together grew a successful business, raised three children and continued to enjoy the activities that had brought them together decades before.

Hazel’s interests were many and varied. She enjoyed her walks at North Glenmore Park with friends while relishing in the challenge of duplicate bridge. She knit dozens of sweaters. She did jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and was a voracious reader. Hazel was a long-standing member at Earl Grey Golf Club where over a period of forty years she became an accomplished golfer. She spent many memorable days either there, or at Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale AZ during the winter months, enjoying the challenge of the game and the camaraderie of close friends. Hazel was an excellent cook and she loved to bake for family and friends.  Her legendary peanut butter sandwich cookies were a hit amongst her golfing partners and the endless loaves of bread, cinnamon buns and cheese buns were a staple within her family and circle of friends.  Hazel’s prized tomatoes that she grew in great abundance to share with neighbors, friends and squirrels were a source of great pride to her. Over the course of a week every fall, Hazel baked thirty Christmas fruitcakes to gift to friends and family, a tradition she maintained until age ninety. 

Hazel’s strong and indomitable spirit allowed her to live independently in her home until her ninety-second year. She kept abreast of current events, politics and sports and never tired of engaging in a spirited discussion about the state of world affairs. But it was her family that was Hazel’s greatest source of happiness. Her most cherished moments were those when her children and their families gathered in her home. She was enormously proud of her grandchildren and all their accomplishments, whether big or small.  She will be remembered as generous and supportive with a boundless love for her family. 

Hazel will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Liz (Neil) Hagerman, Carole (Ken) Coward; daughter-in-law Jody Skinner and grandchildren, Gordon, Scott, Diane, Annie, Saphron and Sam. Hazel was tragically predeceased by her son Bob in 2007 and Don, her husband of fifty-eight years, in 2017.

In keeping with Hazel’s wishes as well as public health restrictions, the family will gather privately to honour Hazel’s life and legacy. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Hazel’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Hazel’s last months were spent at The Manor Village at Garrison Woods and the family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff that cared for her so compassionately. 

In living memory of Hazel Skinner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.