Jack E. Skinner

He is survived by his wife Marjorie (Ruslink) Skinner of 55 short, sweet years. Although he was an only child, Jack always said that he gained siblings when he married into the Ruslinks. He also maintained connections with his cousins even though they all lived many miles away. He is also survived by one of those Ruslink siblings, Carol (Rob) Glasier. Additionally survived by nieces and nephews, Dawn (Tom) Kaliszewski, Kathy Deist, Scott (Christine) Ward, Brian (Lea) Meade, Stephen (SarahBeth) Glasier, Christin Glasier, Alison Meade, and Corey (Cynthia) Ruslink, who have done a great job including Jack and Marge in their lives. Also survived by great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Jack and Marge were blessed with the best neighbors and survived by the O’Donnells and Runicks.

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by Ruslink sibs, Donna (late Jack) Deck, Bill (late Sherry) Ruslink and Nancy (late Bill) Meade.

Jack was a proud graduate of Chautauqua Central School, and enjoyed reunions with his class of ’63. Although he was a self-proclaimed Bench Warmer on the basketball team, Jack made solid connections with Niagara University Men’s Basketball team members that have remained for over 20 years and with the “adopted” guys that accompanied Jack and Marge to the games that provided so much bonus enjoyment.

Jack was a voracious reader which made him everyone’s selection for their team of Trivial Pursuit. Jack and Marge relished time on Cape Cod in a cottage his uncle built on the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1950’s. Growing up on Chautauqua Lake, Jack showed an early interest in nature. He was shaped by a Peterson Field Guide to Birds gifted by his Aunt Nannie. Jack enjoyed and was valued at meetings of birding, geology, botany, and the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, having served as the chair and attended for more than 40 years. He found the Owl Prowl, Bugs at Night, and Bird Banding to be especially interesting. He laughed heartily at the Three Stooges even in his final days. His interest in music ranged from Bob Dylan to the Buffalo Philharmonic.

Jack spent almost as much time looking skyward as he did with nature, and found the study of space to be fascinating. He liked when Marge drove on road trips so he could identify airplanes by outline or sound, and of course birds. Jack followed his father’s military calling, and spent 37+ years with the United States Air Force. He visited over 60 countries and all but one state. One prized gift was a genuine shillelagh from Ireland. Jack considered it a privilege to serve with the 914th Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station with men and women of integrity, and who prioritized life and liberty. Jack felt extremely blessed to accompany the Honor Flight to Washington in June ’24. He was a member of the Grand Island American Legion, St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aero Club of Buffalo, Buffalo Audubon, Buffalo Geological Society, several nature related clubs in person and online, and a life member of the Mayville chapter of the VFW.

He was a Pheresis blood donor. He was a good man, a man of quiet but strong faith and a loving husband and kind neighbor.

Memorials can be designated to St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aero Club of Buffalo, Buffalo Audubon, Hospice of Buffalo or charity of your choice.

Calling Hours are Friday, January 31 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Funeral will be Saturday February 1 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1453 Staley Rd, Grand Island. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.