William SKELTON Obituary

My life is so much richer and so is my Family's after
meeting Bill Skelton and his Family.
What a pleasure and honour it has been over the years. Growing up we all admired the Skelton
Brothers and their unique riding ability.
In the last few years we met them all again through our wonderful friends Gabrielle and Jack Bisman.
Many a happy hour has been spent in their company
and admiration grew and grew.
You will be sadly missed Bill but never ever forgotten.
Rest easy our Dear Friend.

A great jockey and one I will always remember. He was unique in riding the only horse in NZ that won the same cup race three times, each time being ridden by a different member of the Skelton family!

Condolences to Nelle & the Skelton Family, for the loss of a great man!

Bill was our number one rider in the sixtys I had the honour and pleasure of working around him while being employed by the late Malcom Smith in the sixtys I will never forget those days or this man Condolences to his family

I did not know him personally, but as a young jockey in the early 80's in the US, I was certainly well aware of who he was. I have nothing but respect for him and my sympathy to his family.

WD Skelton. As a young boy going to the Wairarapa Racing Club with my Father and the rest of the Family, I remember my Father writing WD Skelton in the race book and he would go on about you. I grew up thinking you were some sort of a god on racing but little did I know in years to come I would meet you and Talk to you on many occasion and ride against you. When ever somebody needed to talk to you about something with riding you would always pass your knowledge on to young ones. Bill you were always a Gentleman and very professional. RIP, I know you n Bob will be with each other .

one of the real gentlemen of racing will never forget the day I led you in on a horse called thosada rose and you won the gold trial stakes at hastings R.I.P Mr Skeleton from Andrew Cameron

Nana, Dad, Aunty Maria and Uncle Anthony along with all the Family, all my love to you.

Granddad you were a great man. When I think about you the words that come to mind are: hard working, caring, humorous, faithful, respectful, storyteller, teacher and family man. These are just a few words that come to mind, but it is impossible to summarize how great a person you are in words.
A man as humble and loving as you, will always be remembered by those of us who knew you and loved you. Although we will miss you, your smile, your pranks, your love, we take consolation in the good feelings of our memories, In life and now in death, He wouldn't want us to focus on the sadness of his death, but instead focus on the happiness in our lives and the life he lived. He would want us to appreciate each other and our future
A limb has fallen from the family tree, I keep hearing a voice saying grieve not for me... Remember the best times, the laughter, the song and the good life I lived while I was strong.
Granddad, you'll never be forgotten, that simply cannot be as long as we are living, we'll carry you within us, safely tucked in our hearts, your light will always shine,
No matter what the future brings or what may lie ahead, in spirit, I know that you're here with us.
Farewell Granddad, Rest, be at peace and let your soul fly free!

Bill was a great jockey who I always followed at the South Island meetings during the 50's. He always put his horses into the races early and was always a great bet on front running sprinters. I remember him fondly over those times and thankfully his wonderful riding career has been well recorded in his book "The Bill Skelton Story". I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife and family on the passing of this racing legend.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Farewell to one of the finest of men and a legendary jockey. Condolences to Nella, Anthony, David and Maria and the wider family. His passing signals the end of an era.

Another legend is lost but never forgotten. I'm sure RJ and WD are telling stories and reliving memories together now. Love to the families.

a lovely man always polite, loved leading Tono Bugy and Bill in whenever they won

We are very sorry to read that a great man has passed away.please give our condolences to the family and to Max as well.
The Finlayson girls.Geal,Cheree an Linda

a great rider and great man

To Nella and family
Our thoughts are with at this time.i have some wonderful memories of Bill which I very much treasure. Treasure an Celebrate a wonderful man
Who was special in your life
With love
Denise Johnson

To Nella and all your family, love and sympathy to you all, treasure the wonderful memories you hold so dear. Bill will be held in the hearts of many. Rest in Peace Bill. Felicity, Ian and family

My deepest sympathy Nella and family for your sad time Bill is at peace now

My thoughts are with you all at this time. Memories of our loved ones are golden and last with us forever. All my love to you Nella and family.
Marie