Bob Skelly

Bob Skelly, born on April 14, 1943, in New Westminster, British Columbia, was a prominent Canadian politician and educator. The son of Robert Daniel Skelly and Dorothy Graham, he pursued his education at the University of British Columbia. In 1965, he married Sonia Alexandra Shewchuk, and together they welcomed two children: a daughter, Susan Kathleen, born in 1973, and a son, Robert Mark William, born in 1975. Susan later married Michael Ramsay and became a mother to three daughters: Rebecca Ruth, Sarah-Grace Victoria, and Maria Anne Heather.

Skelly's political career began in the British Columbia Legislature, where he served from 1972 to 1987, making him the longest-serving member for the Alberni constituency. He made a significant impact with his maiden speech advocating for the recognition of aboriginal rights in British Columbia. As the environment critic for the New Democratic Party (NDP), he opposed uranium mining and was an active member of the Skagit Valley committee, fighting against nuclear power in Canada. His environmental advocacy extended to opposing the Site C dam on the Peace River and the diversion of the Fraser watershed into the Arctic Sea.

In 1984, Skelly was elected leader of the British Columbia NDP and served as Opposition Leader until 1987. His leadership during the 1986 election saw the NDP gain traction, although they ultimately lost to the Social Credit Party, which won forty-seven seats compared to the NDP's twenty-two. Following the election, Skelly resigned as NDP leader, paving the way for Michael Harcourt to succeed him.

After his tenure in the provincial legislature, Skelly transitioned to federal politics, representing the Comox—Alberni riding in the House of Commons from 1988 to 1993. During this time, he served as the Aboriginal Affairs critic and was present during the Oka crisis. Despite his efforts, he was defeated in the 1993 general election, which marked a significant decline for the NDP.

Bob Skelly passed away on August 6, 2022, in Colwood, British Columbia, at the age of seventy-nine, after a battle with Parkinson's disease. His legacy as a dedicated politician and advocate for environmental and aboriginal rights remains influential in Canadian politics.