BiLA’s much loved “Mayor of Breakfast” has passed away at 95
THIS WEEK was a sad one for the local British community with the passing of Bernard Skibben. Yorkshire-born Bernard, who was 95, was a staple for years at the Brits in LA Breakfast, and BiLA’s founder Craig Young offers this appreciation:
Some of you may recall the friendliest man in Hollywood, who used to greet everyone he met with a smile and that soft, welcoming North Yorkshire accent. Bernard Skibben was a man who lived his life with purpose, passion, and dedication. He was a true inspiration to all those who knew him, and his passing has left a void in the hearts of many, especially us at the Brits in LA breakfast club. He was bestowed and dubbed the Mayor of our Breakfast Club and took his hosting duties very seriously and made no one feel alone. In fact he was quite the matchmaker. Member John Mawson recalls that years prior Bernard seated him next to a beautiful lady called Angela, who then became his partner and still is 12 years later.
I was honored to be invited to pay my final respects to the man who loved a cuppa tea and Cadbury’s chocolate like no other. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. In fact the only thing I recall him complaining about was the weather, and only when it was behaving in a typically English fashion.
Born in 1928, Bernard grew up near Leeds during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. Despite the challenges of his early years, he remained optimistic and determined to make a difference in the world. With a keen intellect and a fierce work ethic, he pursued a career in engineering, eventually becoming a respected leader in his field. He was always quite an extrovert, and this week we heard from another local Yorkshireman, Bernie Sidman, that during the 1960s ‘our’ Bernard was a frequent sight in Leeds city centre, driving around in a Jaguar with the personalized license plate BS1
In 1973 he moved his entire family to LA and as a contractor he helped build many of the Tudor-style homes in Hancock Park and never looked back.
But Bernard’s contributions to society went far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a devoted boyfriend to Diane, a father, grandfather and great grandfather and friend, to so many. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word of encouragement. He was active in his community, volunteering his time and singing in a local choir called the Songbirds. He was the recipient of the first-ever UKares humanitarian award and appeared in a couple of ‘The Toscars’ movies.
I particular loved hearing about Bernard’s acting. A career path he chose in later life after retirement for something to do. Especially working in music videos with Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz.
Bernard’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the positive impact he had on the world. His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and compassion serves as a shining example to us all.
After a long and fruitful life, please rest in peace, Bernard Skibben. Thank you for all that you gave to us, and for the legacy of kindness and generosity that you leave behind.
– Craig Young
