Chris Skinner

Only just learnt (July 2018) of Chris's death two years ago. We were boarders and great friends at the same school in North Yorkshire in the 1950s and shared a set of rooms in college in Cambridge in the early 1960s. Last saw Chris when he was over here in UK about 15 years ago. He certainly made his mark in the world, and news of his death came as a great shock. My sympathies to his widow and family.

It was such a shock to learn of the sudden passing away of a good friend, Chris Skinner. I then came to reflect about the man I had known for 25 years and realised he would not want us to mourn but rather to remember his life, his achievements and the happy times we spent together. I had the pleasure of seeing Chris operate as a professional and the one thing that stood out was his absolute dedication to anything to which he had committed himself. This applied as much to his love of his wife and family, as to his study of Public Relations and Communications and as to Rotary International and what the Rotary organisation stands for. He espoused many projects for the benefit of those less privileged and these are recorded in other tributes to him. He also wrote several books and publications which showed a high level of research and knowledge. I learned a lot from Chris about inter personal communication and how important it is in achieving success in business and in life. I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of the projects he was involved in, many Rotary related, and his presence was always calm and soothing, while confirming his reasoned point of view. Chris was a peace maker, never seeking confrontation as a method of solution. He was the ultimate negotiator and I recall he always used the words “as you say” to bring his friends and colleagues on board with his views. A clever PR touch. How will I remember Chris? Most of all I will remember him as a complete gentleman, a good man, eloquent, understanding, principled, intelligent and caring, someone who taught me a lot about people.

Our deepest sympathy to Jane and family on the loss of our good friend, Chris. We remember him with great respect and affection.

It is with a sad heart that I heard this news.. my condolences to the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Jane and Family, Cathy and I only arrived home yesterday. We were shocked to hear of Chris' demise. Our deepest sympathies to you Jane and your Family. Having worked with Chris in Rotary, the Rotary Foundation and other matters, it was always a pleasure to work with him. May he rest in peace.

WE first met Chris at DGE orientation with PDG Gorden Dowsett and team. I really am not sure Chris learnt anything from me as I contantly found myself marvelling at the kind words of wisodm. He was so consistantly good and kind. Chris you were a marvelous man and we treasure the times spent together. Our deepest condolences to Jane and family. A great man and Rotarian has passed this way. RIP.

Farewell Chris! A stalwart of the South African PR industry. You were the examiner when I did my APR exam in the early nineties. A gentleman and a true professional. RIP

So sorry to hear of Chris'death. He was always such an energetic man-full of life, hope and ideas. What a wonderful example he was to all of the Rotarians whose lives he touched.