Kevin Skinner OAM, who died on Tuesday at 93, is being described as one of Sutherland Shire’s greatest leaders.
Mr Skinner served on Sutherland Shire Council for 25 years, from 1962 to 1987, including six terms (1973-1974 and 1982-1986) as president (mayor).
He has been the shire’s fourth longest serving president (mayor) and the third longest serving councillor.
Mr Skinner, a Labor member, enjoyed the respect of his political opponents because of his love of the shire and desire to do the best he could for the community.
He was involved in establishing many of the community facilities enjoyed by residents today and fought to preserve the shire’s natural environment, including trying to end sand mining on the Kurnell peninsula and defending the waterways.
Mr Skinner was a strong supporter of the volunteer bushfire brigades and was a life member of the Menai brigade.
With his support, the Sutherland to Surf race became a Sunday event in 1974, and he was asked to fire the starter’s gun.
The race had started in 1972 but drew only small numbers because it was held on a Saturday for the first two years.
The switch to Sunday put it on course to become the shire’s biggest community event.
The council said in a statement Mr Skinner was “devoted to the shire community and made an invaluable contribution”.
“Councillor Skinner was an outstanding leader who gained respect for his commitment to the community and a reputation for his good management,” the council said.
“For many years he was chairman of the Parks and Playgrounds Committee, during which time more than 60 ovals and recreation areas were developed.
“Councillor Skinner served for 12 years on the Sutherland section of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and was a life member of Menai Bushfire Brigade.
“Sutherland Shire owes much to Kevin Skinner for his work and council would like to acknowledge the contribution he made as one of our longest serving councillors.”
Mayor Carmelo Pesce extended the council’s “deepest condolences” to Mr Skinner’s family
“I didn’t know Kevin personally, but several of my fellow councillors knew him and I understand he was a great president who made a significant contribution to the community,” Cr Pesce said.
Former long-serving general manager John Rayner said Cr Skinner was passionate about Sutherland Shire.
“He was a great leader and he was involved in setting up a lot of the community and sporting facilities that we have in the shire these days,” Mr Rayner said.
”He was passionate about Towra Point and Port Hacking,.
“His political opponents respected him because of his love of the shire and because he desired to get things right in the community.”
Before election to the council, Mr Skinner was chief inspector of the Sydney Water Board.
Mr Skinner was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1987 for service to local government.
He was selected as one of the 100 Significant Faces of Sutherland Shire during the council’s centenary celebrations in 2006.
Mr Skinner and his wife Gweneth, who died about three years ago, lived at Oyster Bay.
They are survived by their son Ross Skinner and daughter Robyn Young, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10am on July 4 at South Chapel, Woronora Memorial Park.
