Donald Mitchell

MITCHELL, Donald …

Peacefully, and comforted by his family, at University Hospital, London, on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the age of 95.  Predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley Mitchell.  Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage.  Dear father of Mike (Helen), Teri Wallace (Dave), Marty and Mark (Stephanie).  Predeceased by his brother Ernie, sisters Bernice Norman, Betty Fowlie and Margaret Cross.  Survived by his brother-in-law Ralph Deekon (Ann).  He was adored and loved and shall be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Jesse (Shawn), Luke, Cody (Kendall), Derek (Billie Jo), Parker, Reid, Tyler (Emily), Jenna (Colin), Kailey, Sean, Keira, and his great-grandchildren Drew, Joshua, Allie, Reese, Journey, Wesley, Scarlett, Hudson and Bo.

Growing up in Kitchener, Don was a tremendous athlete, excelling at basketball, baseball, hockey and golf.  In an age where basketball players were shorter, he played for years and was a member of the Kitchener squad that won the 1952 Canadian Amateur Basketball Association Intermediate Championship, later playing senior ball locally.  He played junior hockey for the Waterloo Siskins and Kitchener Greenshirts. For a brief while he played senior hockey with the Kitchener Dutchmen, enjoying the opportunity to share a line with Bobby Bauer and Woody Dumart, members of the Boston Bruins Kraut Line.  He golfed at Rockway where he had the chance to play with Moe Norman, also a regular at Rockway.

Beyond his younger playing days, Dad remained a fervent hockey fan.  Both he and Mom were die-hard Detroit Red Wings fans and held season tickets to the Olympia and Joe Louis for 25 years. He was also a fan of the Tigers and enjoyed getting to the occasional game at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park.

Compared to today where one’s careers are multiple, Don worked 50 years for Coca-Cola Ltd., with stints in Kitchener, Windsor, Regina and finally London where he retired in 1993 as Vice-President and General Manager for Southwestern Ontario.  He had a knack for “Sales”, interacted well with people and over time rose through the management ranks.  Don was transferred back to London in 1973 and sometime thereafter promoted to his final position.  While in London he led and mentored a stream of aspiring business grads, many of whom later noted the instrumental role that he played in positioning them for promotion and successful careers both within and outside the company.

A long-time member of Highland Country Club, he made many friends on the course over the years.  He founded and oversaw one of the Club’s events most cherished by its members, “The Family Scramble”.  The name said it all, as Dad was all about family, and had nothing but Love for his own.  Together with Mom, they nurtured and developed the close-knit group that we are.

Dad’s faith was strong and he enjoyed attending service at Forest City Community Church. He now goes to join his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our family wishes to thank the fine folks at Chartwell Royalcliffe Retirement Residence.  Dad was very fond of them as they provided a most fulfilling social experience and care over the past 18 months. We also wish to thank Dr. Arif Ali, his physician, the doctors, nurses and staff of Victoria Hospital and University Hospital for the care and kindness shown to Dad over the past month in his times of need.  In remembering Don, and in lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6.  Cremation has taken place.  A small family gathering shall take the place of a memorial service.  Private interment to follow.  At a later date, a celebration of his life shall take place at Highland Country Club.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com