Monday 4 June 2012

Skinner

Chris Skinner was a youth with dreams. And a binge drinking problem. He died of acute alcohol poisoning while at a house party. It was a sad story, that ended the life of this young man where the adults in the house were ineffectual in putting any stop to the underage drinking that went on, or in getting help for Chris when it appeared he was most in need of it. This past winter an inquest was held, with many recommendations made, though few preventative measures were suggested. Chris was buried in a suit, because he 'liked to dress up' and a few years previously, in an essay on funerals he wrote that he thought mourners should wear bright colours "as a symbol of the happiness the deceased had impressed upon them".
for a Taphophile Tragics at Waterdown Union Cemetery

10 comments:

Gemma Wiseman said...

Not often do you see words on a grave that seem to be penned by the person there..."I've got rhythm and I've got dreams." Such a very sad waste of young life that is unfortunately not unique!

Paul in Powell River said...

Sad indeed, and so unnecessary.

Lowell said...

It's a tragic story, told too many times! Friend of yours?

hamilton said...

I did not know him or the family; but the story had been in the news again recently with the inquest.

Joe said...

How very sad.

Julie said...

Yes, all too often heard. I have a case in my family. Getting help is not easy. But a sad loss of one so young, and with such a motto.

SeaThreePeeO said...

Such a sad end to such a young life.

Herding Cats

Peter said...

A oft told story, lovely quirky grave too.

CaT said...

wow, how saw is that!
and so so young....

Francisca said...

I was raised in Europe where attitudes toward drinking seem much more sane to me. At an early age I was given wine mixed with water on special occasions and it was not painted as an evil poison. The more puritanical approach in N.A. encourages youth to rebel with liquor. In my teens my friends would get hammered and I'd be mother hen, making sure they all got home safely. This is a sad ending for a lad with dreams.