Stanley was a born fighter

Stan Skinkis

STANLEY Skinkis, a former professional boxer and Oldham Labour councillor for 20 years has died, aged 77.

The father-of-three, of Day Drive, Failsworth, died suddenly last Thursday while on business in London.

Mr Skinkis fought 168 amateur and professional bouts as a featherweight and lightweight and was ranked No 2 for England at one stage.

He fought Nigeria’s first world boxing champion, Hogan Kid Bassey, and lost. But his best televised fight was with Charlie Tucker in 1952, whom he knocked out in third round.

His political career was impressive. He was first selected to fight Chadderton South in 1979, and won with a 3,000 majority. He fought again and won three times.

As well as being district organiser for the Union of Communication Workers, he became chairman of the North-West Association of Social Services Authority, non-executive director of Oldham Primary Care Trust, chairman of Oldham Social Services Committee, and chairman of the policy committee for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

He lost the fight for his Chadderton South seat in November, 1998, after former education committee chairman David Jones was selected.

Mr Skinkis, who had both his legs amputated below the knee following a medical condition officially retired in 1999.

In 2006, he lobbied Parliament in a drive to get better pensions.

His family said: “He died doing what he did best and that was fighting for the rights of others. But above all else he loved and cherished his family, as we did him. Our pride in him will always remain in our hearts.”

His funeral takes place at St Mary’s RC Church, Failsworth, on Thursday, March 19 at 11am.

Any donations should be sent to The Oldham Amputee Support, c/o Mrs D L Clark, 672 Oldham Road, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9DU.