William Skinner

Bill died peacefully on September 20, 2015 at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born to Clyde and Viola Skinner in Bay City, MI January 10, 1924. He married Lucile MacKenzie August 28, 1943. She preceded him in death in 2005, after 62 years of marriage. Bill served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, from 1943 to 1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He remained stateside for the duration. After the war, Bill received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Michigan and an M.S. degree from Michigan State University. He also did advanced study at the University of Colorado. Teaching for over 30 years, Bill joined the Northwestern Michigan College faculty in 1962. He also served as Dean of Students and Faculty Dean. During his teaching career, Bill travelled to Africa, New Guinea, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico, collecting indigenous artwork along the way. In 1978, Bill won the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award, chosen by a student selection committee. Award criteria include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom, and a sense of dedication. He reluctantly retired from teaching in 1988, due to health issues. He was grateful to Bernie Rink, Jackie Weeds, and other faculty who enriched his life. In retirement, Carolyn and Steve Drake kept Bill in touch with the Dennos Museum and the Inuit art collection, which Bill particularly admired. He is survived by nieces Lee Ann Long, Bonnie Becker, and Sadhana Jones MacKenzie, and nephews Rob MacKenzie, Jamie MacKenzie, and J. Barrington Bates. They will remember him for his keen intelligence, warm wit, and continuing generosity. In his last years, Bill was supported and comforted by his caretaker, Jeannette Borgen and her husband, John. With Jeannette’s care, Bill was able to remain at home until recently. In accordance with Bill’s wishes no services will take place. The cremated remains of Bill and Lucile will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to their favorite charity or NMC. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bill’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

William Skinner

January 10, 1924 - September 20, 2015