Wallace Skinner
Newfoundland and Labrador Inductee - 2022
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the entire honey bee lineage can be traced back to one producer: Wallace Skinner. Known as a pioneer in beekeeping, Wally helped build the industry with bees he brought to the province and his subsequent breeding efforts.
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1940, Wally and his father shared a common dream of beekeeping, which would one day come true for Wally. After high school, he attended Mount Alison University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Bachelor of Education. After two years of teaching, he returned to university for a Masters of Science degree at University of New Brunswick. In 1968, Wally was offered the position of Provincial Regional Biologist for Newfoundland and Labrador, and he and his wife Judy moved to the province. For 21 years, Wally held this position, eventually becoming Provincial Small Game Biologist from 1990-1995.
While Wally’s interest in bees began as a young man, his true passion for beekeeping developed during his first years in Newfoundland. He seized the opportunity to buy equipment from a local beekeeper and embarked upon his dream in 1974. It was not without challenges, namely an adverse climate and lack of a beekeeping community. Without fellow producers, there was no mentorship, sharing of experiences, or advice. Wally became a self-taught beekeeper, learning from books and trial and error as he honed the craft.
Following the expertise of mainland producers, Wally euthanized his colonies each fall and restocked with imported bees the following Spring. He sourced his bees from the John Bragg Company in Nova Scotia and from American suppliers. In 1980, Wally began overwintering his bees in response to the Province’s new import restrictions. He managed 30-40 colonies at his Pasadena apiary and was the primary producer of nucleus bee colonies for the province.
Beekeeping became a family affair in the Skinner home, where credit for Wally’s achievements can be shared with his wife Judy and daughters Andrea and Alison. Honey processing took place in the family kitchen, and Judy participated in honey extraction and running the tearoom and gift shop for the former Newfoundland Bee Company. Together, the Skinners’ deep and steadfast commitment to beekeeping has helped build the industry, bolstering the honey bee market locally and regionally.
Wally’s leadership extends beyond the hive, and to his dedication to community endeavours. He was a founding member and multi-term President of the local school board, a member of the Town of Pasadena Trails Committee, and a long-term volunteer at St. David’s Anglican Church. Wally was recognized as ‘Truly a Man of Vision’ for his commitment to developing the Pasadena Ski and Nature Park.
Nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association for his visionary efforts and generational impact on the province’s beekeeping industry, Wally Skinner is a deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.