Peacefully, on Thursday, 27th August 2015, at Essie Summers Retirement Village, after a short illness. In his 83rd year. Survived by his brother, Alan, nephew Simon and Pam Skinner, and Dianne and David McGowan. Special thanks to the staff of Ward K2 at Princess Margaret Hospital and the staff at Essie Summers. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blind Foundation Guide Dogs, would be appreciated and may be made at the service. Messages to the Skinner family c/- P O Box 10345, Christchurch 8145. A service to celebrate Bernie’s Life will be held in the Ferry Park Chapel, 297 Ferry Road, on Tuesday September 1, at 2.00pm. Private cremation thereafter.