Prescott A. "Red" Skinner, 88, of Soledad, died Thursday, January 29, 2004, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born October 22, 1915, in Milton, Massachusetts, graduating from high school before entering the Armed Services. He met his wife, Rena, while both were serving in the US Army during World War II. They married in Indianapolis, Indiana, and had two of their children back east before coming to Soledad, California in 1948, where his wife was born and raised in the Soledad Mission District. He was first a carpenter, then joined the Soledad Police Department in 1950, serving 29 years. After his retirement as the Chief of Police, he served an additional 10 years as the last Constable of Monterey County. He was named Soledad's Citizen of the Millennium, an honor bestowed upon him for the many years of community service and involvement in so many charitable areas. His favorite pastime was enjoying a good cigar and being with family, friends or anyone to whom he could lend a hand. His memberships included American Legion Post 32 Life Membership Past Commander, Veterans of Foreign War, Soledad Cemetery Board, Soledad Volunteer Fire Department, Eden Valley Hospital Board, Soledad Rotary Club, The Salvation Army Food Bank, Soledad School Programs, Soledad Cub and Boy Scouts of America and other community activities. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rena J. Skinner; a son, Walter F. Skinner; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by 4 sons, Prescott Jr. (Adele) Skinner of Arroyo Seco-Soledad; Daniel „Dap‰ Skinner of Arroyo Seco-Soledad; Tim (Georgie) Skinner of Gonzales and John Skinner of Palm Springs, CA; a daughter, Mary "Susie" (Tony) Rossi of Salinas; his caregiver, Matilda of Soledad; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 31st, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 1st, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Struve and Laporte Chapel. Graveside services will be held Monday, February 2nd, 11:30 a.m. at the Soledad District Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Soledad YMCA, 560 N. Walker Dr. Soledad. Memorials can be made to Soledad Police Officer's Red Skinner Scholarship Fund, PO Box 606, Soledad, CA 93960; or the American Legion Post 32, PO Box 38, Soledad, CA 93960 or donor's favorite charity. Published in The Monterey Herald on January 31, 2004

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