Noted London architect Paul Skinner dead at 80

LONDON, Ont.—A notable architect and developer based in London, Ont., Paul Skinner passed away Sept. 22 at the age of 80.

Skinner’s career started in Toronto and by 1974 he had moved to London and founded Paul M. Skinner Architect. Notable projects included the CNR train station, the London Courthouse, the London City Centre tritower complex, 3M Headquarters and Victoria Hospital, with his design of Thompson Arena at Western University, which had Canada’s first cable-hung suspension roof, earning special recognition.

As a developer, his obituary noted, Skinner “designed and built commercial buildings and award-winning residential areas noted for their crystal-like forms of sloping glass, natural materials and connection to nature.”

Born Oct. 3, 1940 in Port Credit, Ont., representing the third generation of builders, Skinner showed an early interest in designing and building water skis and motorboats for the Port Credit River and summers in Lake Rosseau.

Skinner graduated from the University of Toronto School of Architecture in 1965 and went to work for Parkin Architect and Clifford & Lawrie Architects in Toronto where he worked on the design team for the Manulife Centre before moving to London.

Skinner was the husband of Patricia Ann Skinner, his wife of 60 years, and father to Robert, Bradley and Suzette. His death was peaceful. A private funeral service for family was to be held in London on Sept. 24.