Competitive By Nature

The onetime brawler and long time boxing coach and Maple Ridge resident John Skanks lost his life at the young age of 85. He was born in 1929 and simply put – had a passion for the sport.

Following a career his love for the sport led him to become the founder and head coach of the Maple Ridge Boxing Club as well as a competitive boxer who eventually became the Executive Director of Boxing B.C.

He and his wife Carol would open the boxing club twice a week, and he trained fighters who competed internationally, with a focus on developing character.

He once stated “There’s something about this game, it makes a gentleman of you.”

He has been inducted in to the Ridge Meadows Hall of Fame, won B.C. Boxing’s Harold Mann Lifetime Achievement Award, was Citizen of the Year in 1995

A celebration of life will be held January 17th at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, 11969-216th St. at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at the boxing club at 11925 Haney Pl.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol, his daughters Roberta Skanks, Donna (Skanks) and Hudson Taylor, Cynthia Skanks in Toronto, also his brother from Ottawa.

A legend of the sport, will never be forgotten!!