Charles (Charlie) Skinner was born in 1895 on a farm near Boissevain, Manitoba. He lived for a time in Langdon, North Dakota before moving to Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan where he and his brother Russell operated a garage. Another brother, Claude, was killed in an accident involving an aircraft propeller.

He married Rachel Cochrane, who was the first teacher in the Little Valley School District. They had a daughter, Vivian.

He had an interest in flying and in 1928, after four hours of instruction, soloed and became a licenced pilot. His first plane was a Curtis Jenny but he replaced this in 1929 with a Swallow biplane and later a Waco, which he sold in 1937.

In the 1930's he flew as a commercial pilot based primarily in Regina, Saskatchewan carrying passengers, cargo and serving as an air ambulance. He was also active in the Regina Flying Club.

During the Second World War he volunteered for service but was turned down due to his age. He worked as a bush pilot for a time. In 1943, he became a test pilot for Canada Car who were manufacturing military aircraft such as Hawker Hurricanes and Curtiss Hell-Divers.

He retired in the Fall of 1945 with almost 10,000 flying hours in his log book, flying in 87 different types of aircraft. By 1942, he had made more takeoffs and landings than any other pilot in the country - all without mishap.

Charles Skinner passed away in 1971 at the age of 76.