PAUL J. SKINLEY champion of croquet
12 January 1959 -22 March 2021
ELECTED a life member 2005
Paul started his croquet life in Dannevirke, at the Rangatira Croquet Club. He joked that he learned croquet in his pram while his mother played and by age 11 he was playing seriously with his first national championship win coming at age 15. Paul developed his own graceful, powerful and accurate style, and passed it on to many young players. Internationally he became known as the “Earl of Elegance” for his style.
Paul was a central figure in the croquet scene in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. His national successes included winning the New Zealand Open Singles title three times and the New Zealand President’s Senior Invitation (CA Silver Tray) ten times, plus numerous regional titles. In fact, over his 50 years of play Paul collected almost all the trophies available to him. Paul was selected for New Zealand’s MacRobertson Shield test team eight times between 1979 and 2010, with two wins in 1979 and 1986. Mid-career he was ranked in the worlds’s top ten. He’s known for contributions across national, regional, club and school -level croquet. He was the New Zealand handicapper form 1988 to 1994 as well as selector and was a Life Member of our club, the Wellington Croquet Association and Croquet New Zealand.
Paul joined our club in 1978 when he moved to Wellington. He rapidly became the rock of our club and remained so for over 40 years, making us “the best little croquet club in the world”. Paul was variously our coach, Captain, President, lawn-setter, tournament manager, historian, selector, gardener and cheerleader. He was always generous with his time. His enthusiasm and encouragement were infectious and ensured that every new player felt welcome and developed a passion for croquet.
We remember Paul as always happy, always positive, always patient, with a fund of entertaining stories, coaching skills and tips that stick with you forever, and a laugh that we still miss. As one member recalls “it was impossible to walk away from an interaction with Paul without feeling better about your day”. This club was Paul’s second home and we were his croquet whanau. Enjoy your time at Paul’s “best little croquet club in the world”.
