Francis S. “Skip” Bindner, OPA

January 14, 1933 – December 17, 2007

Skip became a Dominican Associate on October 16, 2004 at St. Catharine. Even though he was only in the fourth year of his Dominican Associate Covenant, Skip had many close relationships with the Dominican sisters through Holy Rosary Academy in Louisville. He worked as an educator for 40 years in Jefferson County Schools. When he retired in 1996, he devoted his retirement years to working with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Until his illness, he served on the board of the society and volunteered at the Ozaman Homeless Center for Men.

Skip and his wife, Wanita, were married for 42 years and have two grown children.  Prior to becoming an associate, Skip said that he felt God had called him to three vocations - as a Xaverian brother, a husband, and an associate. He held a deep belief that God put him here to fulfill a purpose. He hoped to use his talents to help others in diverse ways. Throughout his life, Skip certainly accomplished this purpose within his family, his church, and community. Many were blessed through him.

This quote from Paul’s letter to Timothy can certainly be applied to Skip, as he too gave his life in loving service to those in need:

“As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8)

-- Betty Pate, OPA