Albert Eugene Conklin

Albert Eugene Conklin, a prominent and longtime resident of Skiff Lake, New Brunswick, passed away peacefully at the Upper River Valley Hospital with family at his side on February 24th 2023, at the age of 90. Albert was born in Warwick, New York on June 10th 1932, he was the son of the late Albert and Mary Delia Conklin (nee Bullock).

Albert was an iconic figure remembered by many for operating Skiff Lake Inn where he, in his white shirt and black tie, and his late wife, Shirley, served up many years of smiles. He ran the Canterbury rink for two years, was one of the founding members of the Canterbury Lions Club, was instrumental in creating the cross country ski trail around Skiff Lake, and always had a joke or a cartoon to share. Al and Shirley generously opened their hearts, doors, and kitchen table to many throughout the years. He left a legacy in his vast array of wood carvings for his family and friends, and enjoyed his woodworking to the very end. Al served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. While still living in New York, he owned a dairy farm and worked part time as a bartender. His love of nature led him to buy a hunting and fishing lodge in Skiff Lake, NB in 1972, where he lived the remainder of his life.

In his later years Al continued to enjoy nature; ensuring the bird feeders were full, the hummingbirds were well fed and Shirley always had a freshly picked bouquet of wildflowers. Al was a believer in working for your keep and had his children, then later his grandchildren, painting his famous "Conklin Brown" everywhere on the compound, so much so that the local hardware store likely has a "Conklin Brown" in their colour palette now. For a few days, as a ten year old boy living in Warwick, Al threw skeets for the great Babe Ruth who affectionately nicknamed him "Tarzan".

Albert is survived by his five children, Arn Odin, Tor Odar (Sarah Jane), Dak Odis (Janette), Gar Odal, and Clarice Nicole Bechtle (Paul), as well as fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley Ann Conklin (nee Sinsabaugh) and his daughter Denise Cheryl Conklin (Fish) Dier.

At Albert's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Family will host a Celebration of Life gathering in the summer. Internment will be in the Skiff Lake Cemetery beside Shirley, his loving wife.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
www.flewellingswan.com