Franklin Elliott Skinner

Franklin Elliott Skinner died on May 16, 2011 in his daughter's home in South Acworth, NH. He was born in Barton, Vt. on July 5, 1920, and was the son of Preston C. Skinner and Hazel C. (Elliott) Skinner. He graduated from Orleans High School (Vt) in 1938 and attended Becker Business College in Worcester, Ma., then worked as a page and driver for Governor George Aiken in Montpelier, Vt. Franklin enlisted in the US Army on November 20,1940 , and was honorably discharged on September 22, 1945, after serving nearly four years with the 172nd Battalian, Army 44th Infantry. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze service Star.
In the early 1950's, Franklin, along with his wife Madeline, and their two children moved to Stowe, Vt. where they operated a ski lodge, "The Brick 'N Ell" for over 20 years. He had a deep love of the Northeast Kingdom where, with his family, spent nearly 91 summers fishing, swimming, boating. picking blueberries, antiquing, and telling stories. He loved the outdoors, was a great fly fisherman, and gardener, especially his beloved raspberries. He always ate well, kept himself in good shape, doing 100 pushups a day well into his 80's.
Survivors include his wife, Madeline Gray Skinner, his daughter, Randa Tenney and son, Robert Skinner all of Acworth, NH. A sister, Eleanor Stoughton of Ipswich, Ma, seven grandchildren: Jim, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whit and Paige, many nieces and nephews: Terry, Carol, Paula, David, Preston, Helen, Frank, Sharon, Dara, Carl, Patty, Danny, Barbara, Jackie, Robin and Jay, and two great grandchildren: James and Matthew.
A celebration of Franklin's life will take place on July 3, 2011 at Willoughby Lake in Westmore, Vt.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to : The Antrim Girls Shelter, PO Box 531 Antrim, NH 03440.