Anthony "Amin Ali" Byarse-Skinner

Anthony Byarse-Skinner “Amin Ali”

3.31.82-11.20.22

How do you sum up the life of Anthony in a few short paragraphs? It is impossible. Anthony was a son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandchild, friend. Anthony was intense, goal-oriented, passionate, studious, forward-thinking, a jokester and who loved to imitate others, he made people laugh…that was Anthony and boy was his laugh unique and infectious! He was a voracious reader, soaked up knowledge and loved reading the Bible, he would “light up” anytime he had an opportunity to share his faith and revelations. Anthony loved to debate with anyone brave enough to stick around and told often he would make a great attorney but that was not his passion.

Others knew how much Anthony loved family and he would always reach out to ask more about their lives, not just surface conversation because he genuinely cared and wanted to share in their experience, he would also express his concern and worry if he felt something seemed off with them and didn’t hesitate to offer advice. Anthony was always a hard worker, hustled to make money, was a go-getter and looked for opportunities to increase his skills from carpentry, landscape, construction, car repair and entrepreneurship, his goal was to eventually have some land and live as self-sufficient as possible with his family.

Anthony became a father at the age of 23 to his son Neteru and at the age of 24 to his daughter Yazmeen. He loved being a dad, it showed in every fiber of his being. He lived for his kids, dotted on them all the time, ensured they ate healthy meals by cooking for them and as they grew up, he was interested in every aspect of their lives and would find ways to stay connected always asking questions about their lives, offering fatherly advice and instruction because he wanted the best for them. He continued to cook perfecting his recipes and trying new things, he was really good at adding spices and herbs to his meals. He loved eating and NEVER gained an ounce! As a child growing up, he got involved in Pop Warner football as a defensive back and was really good. He continued to stay in shape as he got older.

Anthony loved God with dedication and passion, he gave his life to Jesus at a young age and although down the years he became the Prodigal Son, God never gave up on Anthony and he came home. When Anthony took his final breath, Jesus was right there to usher him home.

Anthony’s life ended too soon; 40 years is not a long time. Those who knew him were blessed for it and have those memories to cherish, there were those he was yet to meet on his or their journey that sadly they will never get to know him and be enriched for it. He left us with the importance of love for family, cherished memories, two beautiful children that will carry on his legacy, his name written in the Lambs Book of Life and now at home with God our Father. As Anthony’s mother, I am the “Keeper of his memories,” and will ensure that candle continues to burn because Anthony was here on this earth and with us always. I am privileged and blessed to be his mother.

My beautiful son Anthony, when you blink, I will see you again….

1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT “It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we who are living will be