Obituary of Alan Skilliter

Skilliter, Alan It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Alan Skilliter, age 82, of Milford Bay, Muskoka. Alan passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2026, at Andy’s Place Hospice in Port Carling. Alan was a force to be reckoned with, as his nickname ‘Thunder Aly’ attests. He stubbornly lived life on his own terms until the very end. Born in Parry Sound, Al was raised in Muskoka and spent time in the Orillia area raising a family. He eventually ventured to the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Temagami, and Orillia again. Al landed back in Muskoka on the same property he was raised on. Al was an integral part of Orillia Aviation for many years, which included traveling to various locations in Canada and the United States on salvage missions. As well as working for Lakeland Airways in Temagami and Advanced Flight Training in Oro Medonte. Al's interests included anything to do with the outdoors, Indigenous culture and history, and guns. He loved canoeing and camping in Temagami, attending gun shoots around Ontario, and many road trips out to Alberta with his wife Delores (predeceased), and with one of their beloved sheltie dogs. He had a fondness for Sheltie dogs, but loved them all. Al also enjoyed spending time over the years with his friends at Ellwood Epps and enjoyed the camaraderie of the people there. Al belonged to the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS), which he enjoyed for many years and revelled in wearing full western gear, thus his nickname, Thunder Aly. Al loved spending time with friends and family, especially enjoying time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years. Al was predeceased by his wife of 29 years, Delores (nee Stanton). He had two brothers, Gord Skilliter of Orillia(predeceased), George Skilliter (Joyce, predeceased) of Muskoka, and a nephew, Doug Skilliter of Mississauga. Al is survived by his children, Cheryl Wilson (Ed), Rory Skilliter, Jody Herbert (Wayne), Laura Kidd, and stepdaughter Shelley Cryderman (Rick). Al’s grandchildren including Katlin Kennedy (Nicole), Krista Limon (Frederic), Kelsie Skilliter, Dakoda Huffman (predeceased), Jessica Armstrong (Cody), Kurtis Skilliter (Haillie), Katarina Henwood (Jesse), Keifer Skilliter (Kaitlin), Keenan Skilliter (Jess), Tyson Cryderman, and Tanya Snache (Timmy). His many great-grandchildren included Chase, Summer, Isaac, Mila, Ellowyn, Octavia-Grace, Terry-David, Beckam, Brynlee, Levi, Avianna, Bennett, Carleigh, and Nevada. We would like to thank Andy’s House for their gentle, loving care and helping Al transition peacefully to the spirit world. A celebration of Al’s Life will take place at the Bracebridge Royal Canadian Legion Branch 161, 168 Muskoka Rd in Bracebridge on Sunday March 29th, 2026 from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Andy’s House Hospice in Alan’s name directly or through the Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street E Orillia (705) 327 0221. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca