The Town of Qualicum Beach has lowered its flags to half-mast in honour of Art Skipsey’s passing.
Arthur Norman Skipsey, better known as ‘Art’, moved to Qualicum Beach in 1966 and left an indelible mark on the community.
He joined council in 1975 and became mayor in 1977, serving for 13 years until 1990, according to a news release by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
The town’s first ever Official Community Plan (OCP) was adopted in 1978 under his leadership.
Skipsey believed in the servant/leadership model and was a vocal proponent for community volunteer associations.
His involvement in the life of the town is extensive, including a long history as the head of the Qualicum Beach Museum & Historical Society. Skipsey was also a founding member of the Parksville Qualicum Beach Foundation.
“On behalf of Council and staff, we wish to extend our condolences to Art’s family and loved ones,” Mayor Teunis Westbroek said. “Art’s significant legacy will live on and his memory will be fondly treasured by all that knew him.”
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In 2012, Skipsey was recognized by the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Coastal Community Credit Union Lifetime Achievement Award.
His contribution to the Town of Qualicum Beach was recognized when he was added as a Freeman of the Town in 2011.
The title “Freeman of the Town” is bestowed on residents of note who have contributed significant service to the community, according to the release. Over the years Council conferred that honour to six people, with memorial benches being installed in 2022 for each recipient.
Skipsey’s memorial bench is located at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
He was 95 at the time of his passing on Jan. 5, and was surrounded by family, including his daughter, Coun. Anne Skipsey.
— NEWS Staff, submitted