Skanks, Paul Edmund - Obituaries | Fédération des Coopératives Funéraires du Québec

Skanks, Paul Edmund

SKANKS, Paul Edmund

1936 - 2023

PAUL EDMUND TAIOREHENSERE SKANKS

31 July 1936 — 16 October 2023

Paul was a member of the Mohawks of Kahnawake, and his name in the Kanien’kehaka language means “break of day”.  Paul arrived on this Earth at the break of day and left it peacefully and without suffering, at home as he wished, at the break of day on Monday, October 16th.  He will be missed by his partner of 28 years, Leona Guay; by his former wife and mother of his three sons, Wendy Dennys (the late Maureen Parker); sons Mark Skanks (Amaya Tarasoff), the late Peter Skanks (Martha King) and Adam Skanks; grandchildren Sophie, Rachel, Sarah and Jacob; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Born to Walter and Marianne Skanks (Diabo) in Toronto, Paul lost his father in 1948 and his mother in 1953.  After some time with some of his older siblings and a brief time on his own in Kahnawake, he was taken in by Ken (Sr.) and Eileen Bagnall in Montreal, who were the parents of his high school friend Ken Bagnall Jr. (Pat).  Ken Sr. was instrumental in guiding Paul toward his eventual 28-year career with Bell Canada, first in Montreal and later in Ottawa.

Family was everything to Paul.  He is pre-deceased by all of his siblings and all but one of their partners and former partners:  Walter and Mark (Paul’s twin brother) in childhood; Bob (Mabel), John (Ola/Carol), Dave (Annie/Suzanne), Blanche (Matty), Martha (Gene Sr.).  He is also pre-deceased by his son Peter, and his dear high school friend Bryan Macdevitt (Val). For much of the last two decades, Paul took on the mantle of patriarch and took seriously the role of keeping all of the many cousins from all branches of the family connected, and even as his mobility declined, he relished the opportunity to host or to attend family gatherings, particularly around powwow time in Kahnawake.

Paul had many friends from his younger days at Lachine High School, particularly through paddling at the canoe club or through music (he played trumpet and sang); many friends through Bell Canada and the golf league in which he was an avid participant; many friends through St. James the Apostle in Montreal and St. Matthews in Ottawa; and many friends through his later work as an elder and traditional teacher.

The Oka crisis of 1990 was a pivotal moment in Paul’s life.  That summer, many nieces, nephews, and cousins came to live with him in Ottawa and it re-awakened in Paul a drive to reconnect to his Indigenous roots and to devote his time to not only learn the traditional teachings, but to educate others.  His goal was always to help others by raising awareness, and he was well positioned to share an Indigenous perspective with his many contacts in business and government.  He retired from Bell in 1994, but thereafter poured his efforts into his work as an Elder and advisor.  He was particularly proud to have his son Adam as his helper in this work for many years.

In addition to family, Paul loved food, music, telling stories, and planning events. His social nature and love of organizing led him to volunteer for many organizations over the years, but his last role was on the Board of Directors of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to Wabano for their work in supporting Indigenous families would be greatly appreciated.  A public ceremony (or ceremonies) celebrating Paul’s life will take place in the summer of 2024, but the details have not yet been finalized. 

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17 messages received

All his precious family

We will remember Paul with our family trips to Ottawa and then your eventual visit in Alberta. Paul was so gracious, kind and with a lovely twinkle in his eye. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.

Christina Rebus, October 23, 2023

Adam, Mark and Family, Martha and Family, Aunt Wendy, Leona

I will keep fond memories of Uncle Paul and he'll be missed. There were great times in my childhood that I remember when Uncle came for visits with his High School buddies(in Kenny's convertible sports car) and yes they would sing and just have fun with us. I use to enjoy him reading to us from "The Tales of Nanabohzo (Native stories of how things in nature came to be)....Christmas'....and cannot leave out Playing Golf and the never ending list of "corny" jokes!
Peace be with you all and... Rest in Peace Uncle as you enter The Spirit World

Nephew,
Wa Ia ke Ron
Barry

Barry Diabo, October 24, 2023

Paul skauk

Travel safe my friends. It’s been years but I still remember all the times we spent at the events. You always had a smile on your face and always said hi . I always enjoy learning and talking with you. One of the most respectful person I know.
Love always
Celina and dale

Celina, October 24, 2023

The family

Paul was part of the Wabano family and I am very saddened to hear he has passed.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Robert Ireland, October 25, 2023

Mark and family

My sincere condolences to you and your family Mark, your father’s hard work will go a long way for many generations to come.
RIP Paul

Tracy Teasdale , October 25, 2023

Adam, Mark and family,

Dearest Uncle..
Uncle Paul, I will deeply miss you. Sitting, talking, laughing, crying, holding your hand, photos on the stairs and your big unforgettable hugs. My heart feels sad and heavy right now. Uncle Paul I thank you for so many wonderful happy memories and the many life lessons I will cherish my entire life. I loved his email jokes, too. ( tee, hee)

Adam & Mark & Peter, " My Three Son" you were all the absolute pride of your dad.
Uncle, your time to rest in peace.
Your ever adoring loving niece.

Donna Mae Taylor, October 25, 2023

Paul Skanks

Paul was a ray of sunshine when I first started working for the federal government. He was so wise and kind, and treated me like his family, when I was preparing to become a mother at a young age - his advice, guidance and support is something I will always cherish. Travel well, dear friend. Nia:wenkowa for everything ️

Sara Loft, October 25, 2023

I offer my Sympathy to the Community and Loved ones of This Great Spirited Man. I Offer My Heart-Felt Sympathy to Wabano whom Lost a Great Elder and Teacher.

My Very Deepest Sympathy to Sll who knew him and was Priviledge to hear his Wonderful Teachings and Presence...

Barb ONeil, October 25, 2023

Adam, Mark and Family

Paul was a pillar of the Indigenous community in Ottawa from his work with the Wabano Health Centre to his visits at the Kumik and Iskotew Lodges. He offered wisdom and kindness. He could cook up a wicked feast without batting an eyelash and you could be sure there’d be some interesting characters at the table and lots of laughter. He loved “his boys” more than anything. He worked closely with groundbreaking efforts to truly engage Indigenous people “in a good way” such as Aboriginal Head Start and the development of Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). A legacy to be proud of. I owe him a lot as he helped my find my way and I know I am not alone.

Karen Roach, October 26, 2023

The Skanks Family

My sincere condolences to all of you and all who loved Elder Paul. He was kind and gentle when needed and no nonsense when needed. He had a lasting impact on my life. He will be greatly missed.

Beverly Anger, October 27, 2023

Paul skanks

So sorry to hear of the passing of Paul. He was a friend and golfing buddy and a witness at my wedding. I will miss his friendship and counsel.

Richard , November 28, 2023

Paul Skanks' children

Sad to her of Paul's passing. I knew him from our paddling days in Lachine. He was a leader, a mentor, a fun-loving guy and one who welcomed all into his social circle....you couldn't have asked for a nicer guy.
His unique voice, in song and in life, will continue to ring in my ears.
My condolences...Glen Benison

Glen Benison, January 10, 2024

The family of Paul Skanks- Leona Guay, Mark Skanks, Adam Skanks, Wendy Dennys

I remember Paul fondly from our days in the mid 60’s singing in the Lachine Alumni Singers directed by the late Ted McLearon.
I particularly remember our Saturday morning post-rehearsal gatherings in the Royal Dixie apartments where Paul was always so friendly and welcoming particularly to the new members of the choir. He was greatly loved and respected by all members of the choir.
My condolences to his family and all who were touched by his kindness.

Karen Auld Albert, January 13, 2024

The Family of Paul

I have great memories of Paul at Lachine High School where He was an active participant in our sports teams and and school organizations. My condolences to your family.

Diane Harkness Lambert, January 13, 2024

Adam, Mark and families

I only recently learned of Paul's passing and offer you our sincere condolences. Paul became a friend more than fifty years after my leaving Lachine, QC when he became an enthusiastic member of the organizing committee of the Lachine High School Class of '55 and Friends reunions. He attended all that were held in various locations up until 2018, and he will be in our thoughts in April when a a small group will be reuniting in Parksville, BC .
Rest in peace, Paul.

Julie Spencer and Bob Partridge, Kelowna, BC, January 27, 2024

Paul’s family

What a shock. I was just thinking about Paul recently wondering if I would possibly see him at our Canadian Masters canoe/kayak championships this summer in Welland, Ontario. I was a member of Lachine Racing Canoe Club and lived Paul for the wonderful person he was. We called him pinky because he washed his red and white striped racing singlet and the red ran into the white making it pink. The name Pinky stuck forever.
I just found out about Paul’s passing today. Rest in peace my wonderful friend.
Betty-Anne Gowans Jolly

Betty-Anne Gowans Jolly, February 7, 2024

Dear Skanks Family

I Wish To Extend My Deepest Heartfelt Sympathies To All The Family On The Loss Of Paul. My Parents Were Great Long Time Friends~Our Family's Were Neighbors In Chateauguay. I Will Hold Many Great Visits & Memories Close At Heart Of Fun Times Spent With Uncle Paul & Family.

Dawn DeMoulin , May 4, 2024