BELFAST — Bert Paul Skinner, Sr., 98, went to be with his Savior on December 26, 2021, surrounded by his family. Born in Ashland, Maine on October 22, 1923, he was the son of Lorenzo C. and Beatrice (Tilley) Skinner.

Bert grew up in Ashland, as well as River John, Nova Scotia. During WWII, Bert served in the United States Army in the Burma campaign, where he earned numerous medals including the Bronze Star.

Bert married his bride, Beatrice Glidden, on February 28, 1951. Their early years were spent farming together at the Keene/Skinner Farm on Swan Lake Ave in Belfast.

In 1959, Bert and Beatrice moved to his family’s farm on the Back Searsport Road where they spent their lives raising crops, poultry, mining gravel, and raising their children all while being active members of Searsport Full Gospel Church and the Waldo County community. Bert was a very generous supporter of missions worldwide as well as church development.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Beatrice A. (Glidden) Skinner; siblings, Pauline, Alberta, Alexander, Dana, and Naomi; and an infant daughter, Paula Joy.

He is survived by his children Louise (Danny), Bert, Jon (Cindy), and Mark (Michelle), and April; foster daughter, Shelly; bonus daughters, Lorraine Trundy, Mary Lord; grandchildren, Danielle, April, Amy, Kyle, Sarah, Krista, Jessica, Annie, and Adam; and 37 great grandchildren.

Private burial was held in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Searsport.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 1 p.m., at the Searsport Full Gospel Church, 71 E. Main St., Searsport. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org.

A VA honor guard and stone setting ceremony will be announced in the spring.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.