Richard Brian Skinner

1936 - 2023

Auburn - Richard B. Skinner, age 86 and longtime resident of Auburn, passed away early Saturday morning, February 11th at The Hospice House in Auburn with family at his side. He was born in Augusta on October 29, 1936, a son of Richard and Jeannette (Coulombe) Skinner. Brian grew up in Mechanic Falls, attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. Following high school, Brian attended Southern Maine Community College and graduated with his degree in Architectural Engineering.

On March 26, 1960, he married the former Dorothy L. Begin and together they settled in Auburn to raise their family. He, his wife and their children attended St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Auburn for many years. Brian worked for many years for Harriman Associates Architectural firm and later worked several years for E.C. Jordan until his retirement.

He was an avid reader and a very intelligent man who thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer. Brian had a deep appreciation for and fully connected with nature and all of its beings. Brian had a kind soul and was a lover of all animals. He was an avid hiker and hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail in Maine as well as Mt. Katahdin and many other mountains in the Maine and New Hampshire areas. He also volunteered for many years with the Appalachian Trail Club where he would clean up the trails to ensure safe hiking for everyone. He was also a history enthusiast and had a special interest in Native American readings as well as many other subjects and authors such as James A. Michener. Brian would always have a dictionary by his side in order to fully comprehend the author’s writing.

A very significant influence upon Brian’s love of history could be traced back to his grandfather, Brigadier General Ralph Skinner. His grandfather was extremely instrumental in the recorded history that is known today in Androscoggin County. In keeping with his avid love of nature, Brian also enjoyed mining, collecting and learning about various gemstones, including those specific to Maine. He thoroughly enjoyed attending local gem and mineral shows as well.

For many years, while his kids were growing up, they, as a family, enjoyed camping at Hermit Island in Phippsburg, day trips around Maine which included Boothbay, Bar Harbor, Sebago Lake and many other fun locations. Brian preferred mostly visiting New England spots, however was persuaded by his wife Dorothy to embark on a one time cruise to Bermuda. Brian was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband and father who will be dearly missed. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Dorothy L. Skinner of Auburn; his three children Suzanne M. Annear and husband Brian of Lewiston, Michael Skinner and partner Bryan Charbonneau of Portland and Melissa Skinner of So. Portland and sister Vicki L. Stanton of Poland Maine and New Jersey. A graveside service will take place in the Spring at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. At his prior request, there are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, for the sake of animal wildlife, please consider donations in Brian's memory to Misfits Rehab, 850 Garfield Rd. Auburn, ME 04210 or [email protected]

To leave a message for the family in their online guestbook, please visit www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545