Rick Skinner, age 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born to the late Charlie Skinner and Doris Skinner (nee Simpson), Rick spent most of his life in Fort Wayne, graduating from Northrop High School and Indiana University. He is sadly missed by his loving wife Jackie, his two wonderful boys, Rich Skinner (Austin, TX) and Kyle Skinner (Fort Wayne) and his beloved brother, Chuck Skinner (Fort Wayne).

Rick will be missed by many cherished family and friends in the U.S. and Canada. He had many fond memories of times spent with Grandma Skinner and his large extended family in Fort Wayne, as well as annual road trips to his mother's home state of Texas, visiting aunts, uncles, and cousins at Grandma Simpson's house. Rick leaves behind a heavy-hearted Canadian family; brothers-in-law Fred Laderoute (Nina) and Brad Laderoute (Roz); nieces Alana Grant (Greg), Kayla Desormeaux (Nate) and Emma Roussy (Brandon); great nieces Abby and Rhea Desormeaux and many Laderoute and McMillan cousins. He will be missed by his dear niece, Sasha Skinner (San Antonio); great niece & nephews, Milla, Jason, and Javier. He was predeceased by parents-in-law, Fred Laderoute Sr. and Irene Laderoute (Nee McMillan).

Rick loved the great outdoors and was always up for a good fishing trip. Summers spent in his younger years camping with family and friends in Northern Ontario led to his parents purchasing Black Bear Camp (formerly Levesques) on Birch Lake, where he met Jackie, the love of his life, with whom he would spend 45 fun-filled years.

Rick grew up hanging out in his dad's auto body shop, where he got quite an education and where his love of cars began. At fifteen years old he bought his first car for $600, a '62 Corvette that he and his dad repaired with help from a few buddies. Like him, his sons Rich and Kyle will cherish that old Corvette forever. Rick's love of the classics led to many fun times attending the ACD festival in Auburn, IN with his mom, dad and brother, a tradition he continued with Jackie and his sons.

Born with the gift of gab, Rick spent his career in real estate and transportation sales, which led to a few short pit stops in North Carolina and West Virginia before returning to Indiana. He also enjoyed selling a few cars over the years on Hwy. 3 with his dad and sons. He never met a stranger and made time for anyone who started a conversation with him, which meant he was never on time for anything and made for long road trips if he started talking to someone at the gas pumps. He was a great handy man and loved helping family, friends and neighbors. If he couldn't fix it, he always knew a guy.

Rick was most proud of his sons and what great men they have become. He leaves them with many memories of being coached by dad, working on cars, taking awesome road trips, attending concerts, enjoying Cubs and Bears games, and watching IU games and movies; but he would tell you his happiest moments were just hanging out at home or out on the lake in Canada with them and Jackie, along with family & friends.

Rick always loved a good nap. So, rest peacefully Rick, you can be assured that, as usual, Jackie will wake you when she comes 'home.' Rich and Kyle will take good care of the 'vette and know that every ride down the highway, you'll be right there with them with your hat turned backwards and the wind in your face. Your love has left us with the strength to carry on during both the good and tough times and we will continue to live our lives to make you proud.

To honor Rick's request, there will be no memorial service. Contributions may be made to The American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/ or the foundation of your choice.