Vancouver Island Masonic History Project
Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments

Waldo Skillings (1870-1938) was a member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 in Victoria. He was President of the Victoria Baggage Company, which operated at 510 Fort Street in downtown Victoria.

510 Fort Street, built in 1921 for Waldo Skillings and his Victoria Baggage Company. (photo: Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
510 Fort Street, built in 1921 for Waldo Skillings and his Victoria Baggage Company. (photo: Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

Here are local newspaper reports of Waldo Skillings’ death and funeral:

“DEATH REMOVES BUSINESSMAN 

Waldo Skillings, Head Of Victoria Baggage Co., Succumbs To Long Illness

Waldo Skillings, aged 68 years, 1152 Burdett Avenue [note: now demolished and replaced by apartments], President of the Victoria Baggage Company, passed away yesterday at the Royal Oak Health Centre, following a long illness.

Born in Woodstock, Ontario, Mr. Skiilings had lived in Victoria for the past thirty two years, being a well known and highly respected resident. He had been engaged in the transfer and baggage business for many years.

Mr. Skillings was a member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 A.F. & A.M. and the Gizeh Temple Shrine. He was an ardent conservative in politics, being a member of the Victoria Ward 4 Conservative organization for a lengthy period. He attended First United Church.

He is survived by three sons: J. Stewart Killings, Gordon Head and Waldo Skillings Jr., Victoria; and Frank Skillings, Vancouver. one daughter, Miss Janetta M. Skillings, Victoria; a brother in Eastern Canada, and three grandchildren.

The remains are reposing at the Thomson Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. Dr. W.G. Wilson, pastor of First United Church, will officiate. Interment will be made in the family plot at Royal Oak Burial Park.”

(Source: Daily Colonist, 20 July 1938, page 2)

Waldo Skillings is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park. We will get a photo of his grave in the near future.

Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?